Bronchoscope adapter and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of axially securing a tool within an access port of a bronchoscope, the method comprising:
- receiving a tool through a lumen of an elastomeric clamping block affixed to the access port, the elastomeric clamping block including a rigid spacer ring and a beveled collar radiating from an outer wall of the elastomeric clamping block, the beveled collar including a beveled surface and a flat surface, wherein the rigid spacer ring is disposed on the outer wall of the elastomeric clamping block;
receiving a portion of a retaining nut around an outer surface of a single component housing in which the elastomeric clamping block is positioned, so that an inner sleeve of the retaining nut presses upon the rigid spacer ring, which in turn presses upon the flat surface, and the beveled surface of the beveled collar is mated with an inner surface of the single component housing; and
axially compressing the elastomeric clamping block to reduce a diameter of the lumen around the tool while isolating the elastomeric clamping block from radial force.
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Abstract
A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring.
768 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of axially securing a tool within an access port of a bronchoscope, the method comprising:
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receiving a tool through a lumen of an elastomeric clamping block affixed to the access port, the elastomeric clamping block including a rigid spacer ring and a beveled collar radiating from an outer wall of the elastomeric clamping block, the beveled collar including a beveled surface and a flat surface, wherein the rigid spacer ring is disposed on the outer wall of the elastomeric clamping block; receiving a portion of a retaining nut around an outer surface of a single component housing in which the elastomeric clamping block is positioned, so that an inner sleeve of the retaining nut presses upon the rigid spacer ring, which in turn presses upon the flat surface, and the beveled surface of the beveled collar is mated with an inner surface of the single component housing; and axially compressing the elastomeric clamping block to reduce a diameter of the lumen around the tool while isolating the elastomeric clamping block from radial force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of axially securing a tool within an access port of a bronchoscope, the method comprising:
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receiving a tool through a lumen of an elastomeric clamping block affixed to the access port, the elastomeric clamping block including a beveled collar radiating from an outer surface of the elastomeric clamping block and a rigid spacer ring disposed on the outer surface of the elastomeric clamping block; receiving a portion of a retaining nut around an outer surface of a single component housing in which the elastomeric clamping block is positioned to mate the beveled collar with an inner surface of the single component housing; and axially compressing the elastomeric clamping block to reduce a diameter of the lumen around the tool. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. A method of securing a tool within an access port of a bronchoscope, the method comprising:
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receiving a tool through a lumen of an elastomeric clamping block coupled to the access port, the elastomeric clamping block including a beveled collar disposed on an outer surface of the elastomeric clamping block and a rigid spacer ring disposed on the outer surface of the elastomeric clamping block; and receiving a retaining nut around an outer surface of a single component housing in which the elastomeric clamping block is positioned to mate the beveled collar with an inner surface of the single component housing. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification