Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An apparatus for advancing an object through a body passage comprising: an axially expandable hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said axially expandable hollow member is capable of changing dimensions reversibly in its axial direction dependent on the pressure in its interior; a radially expandable hollow member having a proximal end which is connected to said distal end of said axially expandable hollow member; a tube connected to said proximal end of said axially expandable hollow member, said tube having a lumen for the supply and removal of inflation medium to said axially expandable hollow member; and throttling means interconnecting said axially expandable hollow member and said radially expandable hollow member for restricting flow of inflation medium between each of said members, whereby pressure equalization between said members is delayed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
An apparatus for advancing an object through a body passage comprising: an axially expandable hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said axially expandable hollow member is capable of changing dimensions reversibly in its axial direction dependent on the pressure in its interior; a radially expandable hollow member having a proximal end which is connected to said distal end of said axially expandable hollow member; a tube connected to said proximal end of said axially expandable hollow member, said tube having a lumen for the supply and removal of inflation medium to said axially expandable hollow member; and throttling means interconnecting said axially expandable hollow member and said radially expandable hollow member for restricting flow of inflation medium between each of said members, whereby pressure equalization between said members is delayed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the axially expandable hollow member consists of a rubber or plastic bellows.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the radially expandable hollow member consists of a rubber or plastic bladder.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, further including a cylindrical connecting means for connecting said distal end of said axially expandable hollow member and said proximal end of the radially expandable hollow member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the throttling means comprises a narrow conduit within said connecting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, further including cylindrical connecting means for connecting said distal end of said axially expandable hollow member and said proximal end of the radially expandable hollow member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said throttling means comprises a narrow conduit within said connecting means.