# US 11,076,754 B2 · Electronic endoscope cleaner sheath

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- Number: US 11,076,754 B2
- Document ID: US11076754B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/272,297
- Filed: 2019-02-11
- Published: 2019-06-06
- Granted: 2021-08-03
- Earliest claimed: 2013-12-02
- Assignees: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
- Applicants: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
- Inventors: Christopher A. Cook
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11076754B2

## CPC

- A61B 1/126: {provided with means for cleaning in-use}
- A61B 1/00135: {Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion}
- A61B 1/015: Control of fluid supply or evacuation
- G02B 23/2476: {Non-optical details, e.g. housings, mountings, supports}
- G02B 27/0006: {with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation (G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B)}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS

## Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning a distal tip of an endoscope includes a driver configured to be mounted over a shaft of the endoscope, the driver adapted for generating transverse waves along a length of the shaft. The apparatus may be provided as a retrofit to existing equipment, or as a feature of new equipment. Methods of operation are disclosed.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Apparatus for cleaning a distal tip of an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
a shaft of the endoscope; and
a driver configured to be mounted in contact with the shaft of the endoscope, where the driver is configured to generate transverse waves along a length of the shaft such that the transverse waves cause a physical transverse movement proximate the distal tip of the endoscope to effect a physical cleaning of the distal tip.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a sheath mounted over the shaft, wherein the driver is configured to be mounted onto the sheath.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus as in claim 2, wherein a fluid channel is disposed between the sheath and the shaft.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the sheath comprises a port for receiving irrigating fluid.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the driver comprises a spring, a coil, and a mass.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the driver comprises a piezoelectric element.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the driver comprises a motor coupled to an eccentric mass.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein a source for powering the driver is user controllable.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the driver is adjustable for providing transverse waves of varied amplitude and frequency.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the driver is configured for mounting proximal to the endoscope and producing a transverse wave comprising an anti-node at a distal tip of the endoscope.