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:
Sep. 21, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 21, 1997
William J Francis, Quincy, MA (US);
United States Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
A multi-use disposable endoscope capable of being sterilized and reused for a number of surgical procedures and then discarded is disclosed. The endoscope is adapted to withstand a number of sterilization cycles without experiencing degradation of the functional systems of the scope, and yet retains the cost effective qualities of a disposable endoscope. The endoscope preferably is formed in accordance with methods utilized for manufacturing a disposable endoscope, e.g., incorporating inexpensive plastic components for the housing sections of the scope as well as for the various systems of the scope. Particular attention is directed to adequately sealing potential leakage areas of the endoscope, such as the distal end of the endoscope and the juncture of the endoscopic portion and the eyepiece section.