Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope accessory assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope accessory assembly may comprise an accessory device comprising a first base, a plurality of flexible struts, and webbing connecting each of the flexible struts. The accessory device is configured to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The endoscope accessory assembly may further comprise a dimension-compensating component comprising a second base, a plurality of flexible arms extending radially out from the second base, and at least one chamber at a distal end of the flexible arms. The accessory device is configured to be over-molded onto the dimension-compensating component in order to form the endoscope accessory assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for locks for endoscopic accessories. In one implementation, an adjustable lock for an endoscopic accessory includes a body slidably mounted upon a rail of the endoscopic accessory, and an arm extending about a portion of the body. The arm may be connected to the body and pivotable relative to the body between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, teeth on an inner surface of the arm may engage a toothed rack on the rail such that the adjustable lock is secured to the rail. In the open position, the teeth on the inner surface of the arm may be clear of the toothed rack such that the lock may slide relative to the rail.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for secure connections between tubular structures. In one implementation, a first tube constructed of nitinol may have windows formed on an end thereof. A second tube constructed of stainless steel tube may be inserted within the first tube, and the windows may be filled with adhesive or solder. The adhesive or solder may bond with the first tube, forming connection pins which secure the tubes together. In some embodiments, the connected tubes may form an endoscopic needle. The nitinol portion of the needle may be sufficiently flexible for positioning within the bending section of an endoscope without deformation. The stainless steel portion of the needle may render the needle significantly less expensive than prior needles constructed solely of nitinol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include an endoscope floor stand. In accordance with one embodiment, an endoscope floor stand may include a base and an adjustable body. The body may include at least a first elongated structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base. The body may also include at least a second elongated structure slideably moveable relative to the first elongated structure to adjust a height of the endoscope floor stand, and the second elongated structure may be suspended above the base. The stand may also include a ball joint, wherein at least a portion of the ball joint is configured to removably couple to an end of the body located opposite the base. The ball joint may also include a holder extending from the ball joint and dimensioned to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base, configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts, connected by a webbing, that may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope accessory assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope accessory assembly may comprise an accessory device comprising a first base, a plurality of flexible struts, and webbing connecting each of the flexible struts. The accessory device is configured to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The endoscope accessory assembly may further comprise a dimension-compensating component comprising a second base, a plurality of flexible arms extending radially out from the second base, and at least one chamber at a distal end of the flexible arms. The accessory device is configured to be over-molded onto the dimension-compensating component in order to form the endoscope accessory assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for secure connections between tubular structures. In one implementation, a first tube constructed of nitinol may have windows formed on an end thereof. A second tube constructed of stainless steel tube may be inserted within the first tube, and the windows may be filled with adhesive or solder. The adhesive or solder may bond with the first tube, forming connection pins which secure the tubes together. In some embodiments, the connected tubes may form an endoscopic needle. The nitinol portion of the needle may be sufficiently flexible for positioning within the bending section of an endoscope without deformation. The stainless steel portion of the needle may render the needle significantly less expensive than prior needles constructed solely of nitinol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for locks for endoscopic accessories. In one implementation, an adjustable lock for an endoscopic accessory includes a body slidably mounted upon a rail of the endoscopic accessory, and an arm extending about a portion of the body. The arm may be connected to the body and pivotable relative to the body between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, teeth on an inner surface of the arm may engage a toothed rack on the rail such that the adjustable lock is secured to the rail. In the open position, the teeth on the inner surface of the arm may be clear of the toothed rack such that the lock may slide relative to the rail.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base, configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts, connected by a webbing, that may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include an endoscope floor stand. In accordance with one embodiment, an endoscope floor stand may include a base and an adjustable body. The body may include at least a first elongated structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base. The body may also include at least a second elongated structure slideably moveable relative to the first elongated structure to adjust a height of the endoscope floor stand, and the second elongated structure may be suspended above the base. The stand may also include a ball joint, wherein at least a portion of the ball joint is configured to removably couple to an end of the body located opposite the base. The ball joint may also include a holder extending from the ball joint and dimensioned to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: A compliant plate seal assembly for a turbo machine includes a rotor and a stationary component. A plurality of compliant plates are coupled circumferentially to the stationary component. A natural frequency of each compliant plate varies from a natural frequency of adjacent compliant plates and/or gaps between adjacent plates to produce a zero-oscillation state between adjacent compliant plates in flow.

Abstract: A seal assembly between a rotor and a stator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seal assembly includes: a rotor; a stator positioned around the rotor; and a plurality of seal leaves positioned between the rotor and the stator, the plurality of seal leaves circumferentially stacked around the rotor to define a seal ring between the rotor and the stator, wherein gaps between adjacent seal leaves are partially filled, such that contact faces and residual gaps are between adjacent seal leaves, wherein the contact faces generate friction to dampen vibrations during operation. Such damping effects still allow the compliant motion of the seal leaves with minimal leaf vibration. Also, thicker and more resilient leaves may be applied with reduced leakage through the root gaps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a turbomachine that includes at least one arcuate plate, a biasing member, and a packing ring. In addition, the seal assembly includes a plurality of arcuate teeth disposed intermediate to the packing ring and the rotor. The plurality of arcuate teeth includes at least one subset of arcuate teeth. The clearance of at least one of the arcuate teeth is different from the clearances of the rest of the arcuate teeth. The clearances of the arcuate teeth of the at least one subset do not progressively increase going from an upstream to a downstream side of the turbomachinery.