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Method of preparing disposable sheath with optically transparent windows formed continuously integral therewith

  • US 5,443,781 A
  • Filed: 04/08/1994
  • Issued: 08/22/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Method of preparing an elongated, tubular sleeve for covering an optical medical instrument used for internal body applications, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) heating a first film of a polymeric material to a malleable temperature;

    (b) inserting into said heated first film the distal end of an elongated forming tool comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and sidewalls joining said proximal and distal ends, and at least one shaped surface at or near the distal end of said forming tool, said surface being shaped so as to conform with the geometry of the optical portion of said medical instrument, causing the film to stretch into an elongated shape comprising a closed distal end, an open proximal end, sidewalls around and conforming to the sidewalls of said forming tool, and an optically transparent window adjacent each said shaped surface of said forming tool; and

    (c) removing the forming tool from said film to create said sleeve.

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