Importance

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Abstract

An endoscopic insertion tube includes a helically wound spiral tube and a net-like braid disposed in overlaying relation. A polymeric adhesive layer is applied over the length of the spiral tube and the outer peripheral surface of the braid. A pre-expanded hollow tubular sheath member is placed over the adhesive layer and is shrunk thereupon using heat to cross-link with the polymeric adhesive layer. The sheath includes a preferably multi-layer structure including at least an inner and an outer layer which can be co-extruded or applied to the assembly in separate sections. According to a preferred embodiment, the outer layer is a clear high-polymer material that allows printing applied to the exterior of the upper layer to be protected.

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First Claim