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Flexible shaft

DC
  • US 6,053,922 A
  • Filed: 07/17/1996
  • Issued: 04/25/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/18/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A flexible shaft comprising an elongated tubular member of substantial wall thickness, said tubular member having:

  • (i) a first end;

    (ii) a second end; and

    (iii) a center section, said center section being positioned between said first end and said second end, said center section having a slot extending in a generally helical serpentine path around and along said tubular member center section, said helical path having from about 1 to about 4 cycles per revolution, said slot having a substantial length and width of up to about 0.075 of an inch, said tubular member having a diameter in the range from about 0.15 to four inches, a helical angle of up to about 20 degrees, and a ratio of amplitude of said serpentine path to pitch in the range from greater than 0.1 to 0.5.

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