Abstract: The endoscope unit 1 includes a flexible tube 3 having a deflectable portion at one end and a proximal housing 4 at the other end. The deflectable portion of the flexible tube 3 has a hard tip 2 at its distal end and the tip 2 has an observation opening 11. The flexible tube 3 has a optical assembly guide channel 10, extending from the proximal housing 4 to the observation opening 11, for removably fitting an optical assembly 9. Optical assembly 9 includes a bundle of optical fibres covered by an external cover 18. The bundle of optical fibres has an objective lens 15 at one end and eyepiece 16 at the other end. A watertight sheath 19 is provided, the watertight sheath 19 being transparent near objective lens 15.

Abstract: A method of producing a bending device is disclosed. There are provided a plurality of elongated arcuate assemblies each formed by pivotally connecting a row of arcuate members to one another by connecting elements, the arcuate assembly extending in a direction of the widths of the arcuate members. Subsequently, the plurality of arcuate assemblies are connected together in such a manner that ends of corresponding ones of the arcuate members of the arcuate assemblies are fixed together to form the row of joint rings, thereby forming the ring assembly.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope and an elongated operating instrument adapted to be inserted into the endoscope. The endoscope includes an inserting portion extending from an operating body and adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. A guide tube is provided on the operating body so as to communicate with a guide channel formed through the operating body and the inserting portion. The operating instrument is inserted from the guide tube into the guide channel while being guided by the guide tube, so that a distal end of the operating instrument projects from the guide channel into the body cavity. The guide tube has a bent configuration and is supported on the operating body for turning movement relative thereto.