Patent ID: 9486125
Filing Date: 2016-11-08
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. An accessory for partially enclosing a shaft of an endoscope, the accessory comprising: a first end, a second end and, a longitudinal portion extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, a cross-section of the accessory at the second end being structured differently from a cross-section of the accessory at the longitudinal portion to provide a fluid outlet, the longitudinal portion of the accessory defining a first space for accommodating the shaft of the endoscope and a second space for defining a conduit along the shaft for transporting fluid to a distal end of the endoscope, wherein, in a transverse cross-section of the longitudinal portion, the first space has a generally circular shape, and the second space has a generally rectangular shape with at least one curved side; wherein the accessory is configured to hold the shaft in place due to an elastic force on the shaft when the shaft is in the accessory; an outer surface around the first and second spaces, wherein the outer surface is centered on a first longitudinal axis, and the first space is centered on a second longitudinal axis spaced relative to the first longitudinal axis, the first space being open to one side, so that the accessory only partially encloses the shaft when placed around it; and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is within the outer surface, wherein a wall is formed by the inner and outer surfaces, and wherein the wall continually increases in thickness from the tips to the second space; wherein the outer surface and the inner surface of the accessory form a generally crescent-shaped cross-section having tips at the open side which are bent inward and grip the shaft when the shaft is in the accessory, such that the accessory is widened and closes around the shaft to exert an elastic force on the shaft and grip the shaft in place, and wherein the first and second spaces are adjoining so that the accessory is operable to co-operate with the shaft to define the conduit.