Importance

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Abstract

Elastomeric fluid seals for endoscopic instruments include a single piece of molded elastomer surrounding a pushrod and placed with the outer tube or clevis of the instrument, thereby sealing the annular space between the pushrod and the outer tube. The dimensions of the seals are chosen such that they fit snugly inside the tube or clevis of the endoscopic instrument and the push rod of the endoscopic instrument fits snugly through the seal. When placed within the tube, the seal is preferably formed as a cylinder with a radially inward extending toroidal ring. As the push rod is moved through the fluid seal, the toroidal ring is pressed in an axial direction and thereby exerts a radially outward force on the seal which keeps the seal from moving inside the tube. When placed within the clevis, the seal is preferably formed as an adjacent cylinder and semi-cylinder which is inserted in a radial bore overlapping the proximal portion of the U-shaped cut-out of the clevis. The fluid seal used in the clevis preferably has a stepped inner bore through which the push rod passes. Regardless of whether it is used in the tube or clevis, the seal is preferably formed from a molded elastic polymer.

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First Claim