Olympus Corporation

Matthew S Carlone

Robert E Ailinger

David E Gately

James J Frassica

Takehiro Nishiie

Richard Andrews

David Gately

A method of molding a polymeric device having an elongated tube and a spiral fin. The method including: injecting a liquid resin into a mold space defining the polymeric device, the mold space having an elongated hollow tube molding space and a spiral fin molding space wound around the elongated hollow tube molding space; and providing a longitudinal flow path in at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the elongated tube molding space, the longitudinal flow path defining a concavity greater in depth than other portions of the elongated hollow tube molding space such that the liquid resin injected into the mold space flows in the longitudinal flow path to fill one or more ends of the hollow tube molding space.

Method for molding thin-walled spiral tube for use with endoscope

A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion section of an endoscope. The tubular connector including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. The plurality of cams can alternatively be formed directly on an interior surface of the spiral tube.

Rollerless tubular connector for transferring rotative force from insertion section of endoscope to spiral tube

A polymeric device including: an elongated hollow tube having an outer surface; and a spiral fin wound around the outer surface of the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and the spiral fin are formed of a single unitary piece through a molding process. The polymeric device can further include a longitudinal projection projecting from the outer surface of the hollow tube, the longitudinal projection having a greater thickness than other portions of the hollow tube and the longitudinal projection extending at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the hollow tube.

Thin-walled spiral tube for use with endoscope

An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus includes a tube including a longitudinal axis. The tube is provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable. The tool includes a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism receives a drive force and is rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen. The tool includes a locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube. The locking mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section. Furthermore, an insertion apparatus to which the tool is attached and an introduction apparatus including them is provided.

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Marlborough, MA, United States of America

Matthew S Carlone