The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 17, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 23, 1993
Alan DeLaRama, Cerritos, CA (US);
Larry A Dial, Chino Hills, CA (US);
Richard J Harp, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Thomas L Hursman, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
Alfred S Soria, Corona Del Mar, CA (US);
R J Serra, Irvine, CA (US);
Steve Tarpening, Oceanside, CA (US);
Spectrum Medsystems Corporation, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
Abstract
A bi-directional endoscope comprising a catheter body having a tubular spring frame attached to and extending axially from the distal end thereof. The spring frame comprises a spring body which includes a tip member positioned on the distal end thereof, and a plurality of relief slots disposed therein for allowing the deflection of the spring frame within a first deflection plane. The relief slots are formed in the spring body in a manner defining first and second longitudinally extending stiffening portions which are oriented substantially diametrically opposite each other therewithin. Extending longitudinally through the catheter body and spring frame is a pair of activation wires which are encased by a pair of support sleeves. The spring frame is deflected by stressing the activation wires by subjecting either of the wires to a tensile force. Stressing the wires as operable to transmit the tensile force from the stressed wire to the tip member thus causing the spring body to deflect in the first deflection plane toward the stressed wire.