초록 ▼

An endoscope and valve system specially adapted for use with a disposable sheath having a plurality of channels and respective resilient tubes extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the resilient tubes extend along grooves formed in the side of an endoscope control handle and are captured behind a

An endoscope and valve system specially adapted for use with a disposable sheath having a plurality of channels and respective resilient tubes extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the resilient tubes extend along grooves formed in the side of an endoscope control handle and are captured behind a pivotably mounted access door. The valve system pinches the tubes against the door. The pinching mechanism selectively releases the tubes by pressing respective valve-actuating buttons on the control handle. In another embodiment, the tubes are placed in external pinch valves which are selectively actuated by actuating switches mounted on the control handle.

대표청구항 ▼

An endoscope for use with a disposable sheath having a casing, a plurality of channels associated with said casing and a plurality of resilient tubes extending from respective channels, said endoscope comprising: a flexible insertion tube having distal and proximal ends; a tip portion formed at the

An endoscope for use with a disposable sheath having a casing, a plurality of channels associated with said casing and a plurality of resilient tubes extending from respective channels, said endoscope comprising: a flexible insertion tube having distal and proximal ends; a tip portion formed at the distal end of said insertion tube, said insertion tube and tip portion being surrounded by the casing of said sheath when said sheath is installed on said endoscope; a control handle secured to said insertion tube at the proximal end thereof; and manually actuated valve means having a plurality of valve-actuating members mounted in said control handle, said valve means selectively pinching off said tubes responsive to actuation of a respective valve-actuating member to control the flow of fluid through said tubes without allowing any contact between the interiors of said tubes and said valve means or control handle.