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:
Mar. 05, 1996
Filed:
Sep. 13, 1993
Jeffrey Perkins, Tully, NY (US);
Welch Allyn, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, NY (US);
Abstract
A sheath or cover for a laparoscope insertion tube comprises a generally rigid cylindrical wall with a face plate disposed at its distal tip. A grip mechanism at the proximal end of the rigid cylindrical wall is twisted to grip the insertion tube when the sheath is slipped onto it. An elongated tubular drape is formed of a flexible membrane, such as polyethylene film, which is folded back and forth axially on the sheath. A distal end of the drape is attached to the grip mechanism, and a proximal end is bonded to a rigid or semi-rigid tubular oversleeve. The drape is extended proximally for surgery to cover the handle and umbilical of the laparoscope. After the surgical procedure the drape is extended distally. This uncovers the umbilical and handle as well as the grip mechanism, and covers the rigid cylindrical wall of the sheath. This also inverts the drape so that all contaminated surfaces are facing inward.