Endoscope System and Suction Unit - Olympus Medical Systems
Summary
USPTO granted patent US12593961B2 to Olympus Medical Systems Corp. for an endoscope system with an integrated suction unit. The patent covers a design where the suction button, opening, and angle knob are arranged in a specific geometric configuration on the endoscope operation portion. Medical device manufacturers developing endoscopic equipment should consider this patent when designing new products.
What changed
USPTO issued patent grant US12593961B2 covering an endoscope system and suction unit designed by Olympus Medical Systems Corp. The patent protects a specific spatial arrangement where the center of the suction button top surface, the center of the opening, and the angle knob are collinear in a side view perpendicular to the angle knob's axis of rotation. The suction unit includes a protrusion inserted into the opening and a suction button for controlling suction through a lumen in the endoscope.
Manufacturers developing endoscopic or laparoscopic suction systems should review this patent to ensure their designs do not infringe on the protected geometric configuration. While the patent grant does not create immediate compliance obligations, it establishes enforceable intellectual property rights that may affect product development timelines or require licensing discussions with Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
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Apr 7, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Endoscope system and suction unit
Grant US12593961B2 Kind: B2 Apr 07, 2026
Assignee
Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Inventors
Soichiro Shimizu
Abstract
An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a suction unit. The endoscope includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion, and an angle knob provided on the operation portion for operating the bending portion; and an opening provided in the operation portion, wherein the opening is connected to a lumen provided in the endoscope. The suction unit includes a suction conduit, a protrusion inserted into the opening, and a suction button. In a side view perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the angle knob, a center of a top surface of the suction button, a center of the opening, and the angle knob are arranged along an imaginary straight line with the center of the opening located between the center of the top surface of the suction button and the angle knob.
CPC Classifications
A61B 1/00068 A61B 1/00094 A61B 1/0052
Filing Date
2023-02-21
Application No.
18112240
Claims
19
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Source
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