Back to results
US 2022/0053996 A1Published application
Method for forming an endoscope articulation joint
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorDennis R. BOULAIS
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.
Claims21
1-30. (canceled)
An articulation joint comprising:
- a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall, a central lumen, and a central longitudinal axis, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of hinge elements therein,
- each hinge element comprising an opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented transverse to the central longitudinal axis and separated by a pair of opposing flex points;
- a first guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall;
- and
- a second guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall and at an opposite side of the central longitudinal axis from the first guide passage;
- wherein each of the first guide passage and the second guide passage is configured to receive a control member.
3 more elements
An articulation joint comprising:
- a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of hinge elements, wherein each hinge element is integral with an adjacent hinge element;
- a first guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall;
- a second guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall;
- a first control member extending through the first guide passage;
- and
- a second control member extending through the second guide passage.
3 more elements
An articulation joint comprising:
- a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall, a central lumen, and a central longitudinal axis, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of hinge elements comprising a first plurality of slots and a plurality of second slots, wherein:
- each hinge element is integral with an adjacent hinge element,
- each of the first plurality of slots is longitudinally aligned, and
- each of the second plurality of slots is longitudinally aligned;
- a first guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall, wherein the first guide passage is proximal from each of the first plurality of slots and each of the second plurality of slots;
- a second guide passage positioned radially-inward from the outer wall and positioned at an opposite side of the central longitudinal axis from the first guide passage, wherein the second guide passage is proximal from each of the first plurality of slots and each of the second plurality of slots;
- a first control member extending through the first guide passage;
- and
- a second control member extending through the second guide passage.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.