Disposable air/water valve for an endoscope
AssigneeMedivators Inc.
InventorsDina Grudo, Christopher Steven Adams, Don Byrne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A disposable air/water valve may include a main stem providing an air passage through the center bore of the main stem. A method for manufacturing a disposable air/water valve may include several steps. The main stem is molded, and placed in a mold for over-molding seals onto the main stem. Prior to the next steps, the retaining ring, button cap, and boot may be molded. The back end of the main step is placed through the center of the retaining ring and resilient member (e.g., spring). The button cap is then placed on and secured to the main stem.
Claims20
A method for manufacturing a disposable air/water valve comprising:
- molding a main stem;
- placing the main stem in a first mold, wherein at least one seal is over-molded onto the main stem;
- molding a retaining ring;
- molding a button cap;
- placing a back end of the main stem through the center of the retaining ring and a spring;
- and placing the button cap on the main stem;
- and securing the button cap to the main stem.
An air/water valve assembly comprising:
- a main stem having a proximal end, the main stem comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves disposed circumferentially about the main stem, the plurality of ridges and grooves being monolithic with the main stem and the main stem comprising a first opening disposed at the proximal end and running along a longitudinal axis of the main stem, the first opening for allowing passage of air and/or fluid through at least a portion of the main stem, wherein the air/water assembly is disposable.
An air/water valve assembly comprising:
- a main stem having a proximal end, the main stem comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves disposed circumferentially about the main stem, the plurality of ridges and grooves being monolithic with the main stem and the main stem comprising a first opening disposed at the proximal end and running along a longitudinal axis of the main stem, the first opening configured to allow passage of air and/or fluid through at least a portion of the main stem;
- a plurality of seals disposed in the plurality of grooves disposed circumferentially about the main stem;
- a retainer ring contacting and disposed around the main stem;
- a button head contacting the proximal end of the main stem and a spring contacting the retainer ring and the button head, wherein application of a downward force to the button head causes the main stem to move in a downward position, wherein the air/water assembly is disposable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.