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. 22, 2005
Filed:
May. 14, 2001
Edward C. Page, Baldwinville, MA (US);
Theresa Methot, Westford, MA (US);
Charles Patterson, Harmony, ME (US);
Richard A. Clark, Holliston, MA (US);
Edward C. Page, Baldwinville, MA (US);
Theresa Methot, Westford, MA (US);
Charles Patterson, Harmony, ME (US);
Richard A. Clark, Holliston, MA (US);
C. R. Bard, Inc., Murray Hill, NJ (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a mechanism for attaching accessory devices to the distal end of an endoscope or catheter. The engagement mechanism comprises a bracing member () that engages a surface of the endoscope () and a ramp surface (), which applies a gripping force to an opposing surface of the endoscope, preferably through a wedge member (). The bracing member () may comprise an elongate element that extends partially into the working channel of the endoscope or may comprise an element that engages a portion of the total circumference of the outside surface of the endoscope. The ramp surface () is inclined at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and preferably engages with a slidable wedge in a cooperative arrangement that serves to reduce the distance between the wedge () and the bracing member () as the wedge slides on the ramp to engage a portion of the endoscope therebetween.