Abstract: A package for a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, includes a tube defining a cavity along an elongate axis, the cavity being configured to receive at least the distal end of the catheter. Access means includes a housing fixed to the proximal end of the tube and a cap rotatable to engage the housing in a first position to seal the cavity, and to disengage the housing in a second position to provide access to the cavity. A circumferential tear-strip is configured and disposed to provide a high degree of control over the separation of the housing and cap. An O-ring, which forms a seal between the cap and housing, is disposed relative to a circumferential shoulder which cooperates with a camming surface to cause the cap to pop from the housing when rotated. An associated method includes the steps of rotating the cap a first angular distance to engage the camming surface and a second angular distance to cause the O-ring to traverse the shoulder.

Abstract: An endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end includes a housing disposed at the proximal end and a probe attached to the housing and extending along an axis to the distal end of the endoscope. The probe has a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface which defines a lumen extending along an axis from the housing to the distal end of the endoscope. At least a portion of the wall includes an outer surface with a tapered shape in axial cross-section and a non-circular shape in radial cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing around shafts or tubes of varying diameter. Its basic element comprises an elastomeric sealing body with an axial passage which is radially compressed from more than two sides to compress the passage into sealing engagement with a member extending through the passage. Radial compression is achieved by cams and followers disposed around the body which cooperate with angularly spaced radially extending lugs formed integrally with the body. The cams are spring biased to normally compress the axial passage of the sealing body. Levers operable by one hand of the user are provided to selectively release the apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter includes a spring having a plurality of convolutions disposed along a longitudinal axis, and a first modulus. A sheath overlying the spring engages the convolutions of the spring and imparts to the spring axial compressive stresses which increase the modulus of the spring. The catheter can be manufactured by inserting the spring into a tube of Hytrel.RTM. material, stretching the tube at a transition region which advances along thhe tube causing the tube to neck down onto the spring. The stretching develops internal stresses which are utimately imparted to the spring thereby increasing the modulus of the catheter.

Abstract: A spring clip including parallel jaws carried by telescopically interengaged carrier members. The jaws are spring biased toward one another by a compression coil spring captured between opposed end caps on the carrier members. One of the carrier members has diametrically aligned slots formed through opposed side walls thereof to enable the other member to passed through said slots and snapped into telescopic receipt within said one member. The end caps are formed integrally with the carrier members. In assembly of the clip, the carrier members are passed into telescopic engagement with the end caps in place and the compression coil spring interposed between the end caps.