Patent US2284644A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5337734A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5337734A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposable sheath with optically transparent window formed continuously integral therewith
Assignee: Vention Medical Advanced Components Inc
•
Filing: 1992-10-29
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Granted: 1994-08-16
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Expires: 2012-10-29
Abstract
Abstract Sterile disposable coverings for endoscopes and similar optical medical instruments are disclosed together with a method for preparing such coverings. By forming a heated polymeric film with a mandrel of appropriate shape and dimensions, relatively long-length, very small diameter, closely-fitting, thin-walled sleeves are produced, each having a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with the sleeve at or proximate to the closed, distal end of the sleeve.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark A. Saab
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00142; A61B1/00064; A61B1/0011; A61B1/00071; A61B1/00073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 74
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having at least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having at least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.010 inches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.005 inches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.003 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparat-us of claim 1 wherein said sleeve has a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration along its length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is inwardly tapered from said open end toward said closed end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the diameter of said sleeve to its length ranges from about 1:1 to 1:100.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said polymeric sleeve and window consist essentially of a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyesters, PVC, acrylic and polycarbonate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said polymer is a thermoplastic polyester selected from the group consisting of PET and PETG.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said polymer is optically clear.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said polymer is pigmented, tinted or coated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said polymer is transparent to lasers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open end of said sleeve comprises an integrally formed collar having a cross-section larger than that of the rest of said sleeve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further wherein at least a portion of the walls of said sleeve comprise a ribbed, accordian-like structure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sheath comprises a plurality of layers, each said layer comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve and an optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 further wherein all but one of said optically transparent windows have been removed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said window has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said sleeve.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outer diameter of said window is about 0.001-0.015 inches greater than the outer diameter of said sleeve.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
56 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
56 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.010 inches.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.005 inches.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.003 inches.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said window has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said sleeve.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said window is substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said window is substantially flat and lies in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of said sleeve at an acute angle.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said window is substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve so as to align said window with an optical viewing window of a side-viewing type endoscope.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
63 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
63 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said sleeve comprises a single, integrally formed unit that covers all of the optical instrument that is located inside the body when the instrument is in use.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further including an image-enhancing fluid located between the exterior of the distal end of said optical instrument and the interior of said sleeve.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.010 inches.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.005 inches.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the walls of said sleeve have a thickness less than 0.003 inches.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said polymer sleeve and window consist essentially of a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyesters, PVC, acrylic and polycarbonate.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said polymer is a thermoplastic polyester selected from the group consisting of PET and PETG.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said open end of said sleeve -comprises an integrally formed collar for covering the portion of the optical instrument located outside but adjacent to the body when the instrument is in use.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 27 further wherein at least a portion of-the walls of said sleeve comprise a ribbed, accordian-like structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said protective covering comprises a plurality of layers, each said layer comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve and an optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 32 further wherein all but one of said optically transparent windows have been removed.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 24 further comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and fastened at the distal end thereof to the open end of said polymeric sleeve.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the walls of said polymeric sleeve have a thickness less than 0.010 inches.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the walls of said polymeric sleeve have a thickness less than 0.005 inches.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the walls of said polymeric sleeve have a thickness less than 0.003 inches.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said window has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said sleeve.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said optical instrument comprises a viewing portion at its distal end, and further wherein said window has a geometry comparable to that of said viewing portion so as to minimize optical distortion.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said viewing portion is substantially flat and lies in plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the optical instrument, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said viewing portion is substantially flat and lies in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of the optical instrument at an acute angle, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of said sleeve at substantially the same acute angle as said viewing portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said viewing portion is substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical instrument, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve so as to align said window with an optical viewing window of a side-viewing type endoscope.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said viewing portion is curved, and further wherein said window is substantially concentric with respect to said curved viewing portion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
124 words
An elongated, tubular sleeve for covering an optical medical instrument used for internal body applications, said sleeve comprising at a distal end thereof a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with the side wall of said sleeve by the process of: heating an optically transparent film of a polymeric material to a malleable temperature; inserting into said heated film a mandrel having at least one shaped surface near its distal end, said surface being shaped so as to conform with the geometry of the optical portion of said medical instrument, causing the film to stretch and form a closed-end sleeve around and conforming to said mandrel, said window being formed adjacent said shaped surface of said mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
124 words
An elongated, tubular sleeve for covering an optical medical instrument used for internal body applications, said sleeve comprising at a distal end thereof a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with the side wall of said sleeve by the process of: heating an optically transparent film of a polymeric material to a malleable temperature; inserting into said heated film a mandrel having at least one shaped surface near its distal end, said surface being shaped so as to conform with the geometry of the optical portion of said medical instrument, causing the film to stretch and form a closed-end sleeve around and conforming to said mandrel, said window being formed adjacent said shaped surface of said mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
38 words
Sleeve according to claim 49 wherein said shaped surface has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the rest of said mandrel so as to form a sleeve having a flared window at its distal end.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
54 words
Sleeve according to claim 49 wherein said optical portion of said medical instrument is substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the medical instrument, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
66 words
Sleeve according to claim 49 wherein said optical portion of said medical instrument is substantially flat and lies in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of the medical instrument at an acute angle, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of said sleeve at substantially the same acute angle as said optical portion.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
70 words
Sleeve according to claim 49 wherein said optical portion of said medical instrument is substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the medical instrument, and further wherein said window is also substantially flat and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve so as to align said window with an optical viewing window of a side-viewing type endoscope.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
Sleeve according to claim 49 wherein said optical portion of said medical instrument is curved, and further wherein said window is substantially concentric with respect to said curved optical portion.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
62 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and a relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
62 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and a relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
68 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
68 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said disc is integrally formed with said sleeve.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
76 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and a relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
76 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve, and a relatively rigid, apertured disc inside said sleeve and adjacent said window.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said disc is integrally formed with said sleeve.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
73 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
73 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a least one open end and at least one closed end, wherein said closed end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
80 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
80 words
Sheath apparatus for covering a medical instrument used for internal body applications, said apparatus comprising hollow tubing having an open proximal end and, fastened at the distal end thereof, a thin-walled polymeric sleeve having a closed distal end wherein said distal end comprises a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
87 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
87 words
Medical apparatus for internal body applications comprising in combination an optical instrument and a protective covering therefor, said protective covering comprising a thin-walled, polymeric sleeve closely fit to the exterior distal end of said optical instrument, said sleeve comprising an open end and a closed end, said closed end comprising a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
148 words
An elongated, tubular sleeve for covering an optical medical instrument used for internal body applications, said sleeve comprising at a distal end thereof a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with the side wall of said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge by the process of: heating an optically transparent film of a polymeric material to a malleable temperature; inserting into said heated film a mandrel having at least one shaped surface near its distal end, said surface being shaped so as to conform with the geometry of the optical portion of said medical instrument, causing the film to stretch and form a closed-end sleeve around and conforming to said mandrel, said window being formed adjacent said shaped surface of said mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
148 words
An elongated, tubular sleeve for covering an optical medical instrument used for internal body applications, said sleeve comprising at a distal end thereof a thin, substantially inelastic, optically transparent window formed continuously integral with the side wall of said sleeve such that said window and said sleeve flow substantially smoothly and continuously into one another along every interface without any discontinuous seam or edge by the process of: heating an optically transparent film of a polymeric material to a malleable temperature; inserting into said heated film a mandrel having at least one shaped surface near its distal end, said surface being shaped so as to conform with the geometry of the optical portion of said medical instrument, causing the film to stretch and form a closed-end sleeve around and conforming to said mandrel, said window being formed adjacent said shaped surface of said mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-15 | 1998-02-14 | 1998-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-15 | 2002-02-14 | 2002-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-15 | 2006-02-14 | 2006-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |