DISPOSABLE AIR/WATER VALVE FOR AN ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE

摘要

An air/water valve assembly for use in an endoscope or other medical equipment is provided. The valve assembly includes a spool and a one-piece sealing member that includes a number of sealing rings. The spool can be injection molded, and the sealing member can be overmolded onto the spool. A spring, retainer, and housing are also included to form the valve assembly. As such, an air/water valve assembly may be made that can be used in a single medical procedure and then discarded in a cost-effective manner. Corresponding methods of manufacturing an air/water valve assembly are also provided.

主权项

1. A valve assembly for a medical instrument comprising:
a housing; a spool comprising a first end, a second end, a longitudinal passageway extending between the first end and the second end, and first and second portions proximate the first and second ends, respectively, wherein the first portion of the spool is configured to be received at least partially within the housing, and wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the spool defines a plurality of positioning features; and a sealing member comprising a longitudinal support member and a plurality of sealing rings extending circumferentially from the support member, wherein each sealing ring is spaced from an adjacent sealing ring a distance along a length of the support member that corresponds to a distance between adjacent positioning features, wherein an inner surface of the support member is configured to engage the outer surface of the spool, and wherein each sealing ring defines an opening such that an inner circumferential surface of each sealing ring is configured to sealingly engage the outer surface of the second portion of the spool proximate a corresponding positioning feature.