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Seal protection mechanism

  • US 5,308,336 A
  • Filed: 09/28/1982
  • Issued: 05/03/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1982
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An access device having an axis extending between a proximal end and an opening distal end, and properties for facilitating introduction into the body of an instrument having a pointed distal tip, the device comprising:

  • a housing having walls defining a channel extending through the device;

    a valve disposed in the housing across the channel and adapted to form a seal around the instrument when the instrument is inserted into the channel;

    the valve including inner portions defining an aperture to receive the instrument and outer portions extending radially outwardly of the inner portions;

    means having a continuous, generally conical inner surface engageable by the instrument, and positioned between the instrument and at least the outer portion of the valve for isolating the valve from the pointed distal tip during insertion of the instrument;

    the valve being formed of an elastomeric material; and

    the isolating means being formed of a material having compliance less than that of the elastomeric material forming the valve in order to distribute the insertion forces along the valve.

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