Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic accessory control system that resides externally of the endoscope. The system comprises the endoscopic accessory with a working end to be placed at the distal end of the endoscope, a control sheath extending proximally external to the endoscope and a control handle joined to the proximal end of the control sheath. The control handle is slidably mounted to the exterior surface of the endoscope shaft and is configured to permit grasping of both the shaft and the handle. With the control handle and endoscope shaft grasped with one hand, the other hand of the user is left free to manipulate the endoscope distal tip controls. Additionally, the external arrangement of the control sheath leaves the working channel of the endoscope free for use of accessories or operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric fan for use with radiant heaters, particularly catalytic heaters. The thermoelectric fan of the present invention comprises a housing sub-assembly coupled to a thermal plate sub-assembly, the housing sub-assembly comprising a shrouded circulating air moving member, such as a fan blade, powered solely by the conversion of heat from a separate heater into electricity via an integrated thermoelectric module. Also disclosed is a self-powered fan that can safely perform in hazardous atmospheres while converting radiant heat to circulate air. The thermoelectric fan of the present invention ensures that the air within the space to be heated is more effectively distributed and temperature gradients are minimized. Also disclosed are methods for assembling, installing and safe operation of the thermoelectric fan.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic accessory control system that resides externally of the endoscope. The system comprises the endoscopic accessory with a working end to be placed at the distal end of the endoscope, a control sheath extending proximally external to the endoscope and a control handle joined to the proximal end of the control sheath. The control handle is slidably mounted to the exterior surface of the endoscope shaft and is configured to permit grasping of both the shaft and the handle. With the control handle and endoscope shaft grasped with one hand, the other hand of the user is left free to manipulate the endoscope distal tip controls. Additionally, the external arrangement of the control sheath leaves the working channel of the endoscope free for use of accessories or operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting adapter for releasably securing accessories, tools, or their medical instruments to the distal end of an endoscope. The adapter is compatible with endoscopic accessories that have a cylindrical mounting surface, which becomes positioned over a length of the distal end of an endoscope. The adaptor is preferably provided in two components to support both ends of a cylindrical accessory on the endoscope surface. The adapter is configured to hold the accessory on the endoscope shaft by frictional engagement and is configured to maintain the accessory concentric with the shaft along its length. The adapter also is configured to mount an accessory to a wide range of commercially available endoscope diameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ligating band dispenser that is mounted on the distal end of an endoscope. The ligator is configured to deliver multiple ligating bands to a plurality of internal sites in a patient. The ligating bands are carried on a tubular band carrier member that is retractable relative to the distal end of the endoscope in order to preserve visibility through the endoscope during navigation, then extendable to define a suction chamber for tissue aspiration during band delivery. A tubular band driver member is slidable over the band carrier member and engages bands individually to push them off the distal end of the band carrier and onto a selected treatment site. A single-hand operated control handle for selectively operating the extension of the band carrier and movement of the band driver to release a band is also provided and is slidably and removably mounted to the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic accessory control system that resides externally of the endoscope. The system comprises the endoscopic accessory with a working end to be placed at the distal end of the endoscope, a control sheath extending proximally external to the endoscope and a control handle joined to the proximal end of the control sheath. The control handle is slidably mounted to the exterior surface of the endoscope shaft and is configured to permit grasping of both the shaft and the handle. With the control handle and endoscope shaft grasped with one hand, the other hand of the user is left free to manipulate the endoscope distal tip controls. Additionally, the external arrangement of the control sheath leaves the working channel of the endoscope free for use of accessories or operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting adapter for releasably securing accessories, tools, or their medical instruments to the distal end of an endoscope. The adapter is compatible with endoscopic accessories that have a cylindrical mounting surface, which becomes positioned over a length of the distal end of an endoscope. The adaptor is preferably provided in two components to support both ends of a cylindrical accessory on the endoscope surface. The adapter is configured to hold the accessory on the endoscope shaft by frictional engagement and is configured to maintain the accessory concentric with the shaft along its length. The adapter also is configured to mount an accessory to a wide range of commercially available endoscope diameters.