Endoscope Patents (Class 396/17)
  • Patent number: 11947102
    Abstract: The application provides a high-definition intelligent integrated conduit detector, including a box body and a bracket. A front side of the box body is provided with a front mounting groove, a back side of the box body is provided with a back mounting groove, a waterproof keyboard and a control terminal are installed in the front mounting groove, a counter and a hard cable coil are installed in the back mounting groove, one end of the hard cable coil is connected with the control terminal, the other end of the hard cable coil is connected with a high-definition camera, the front side of the box body is rotatably connected with a front cover, the back side of the box body is connected with a back cover, and the box body is rotatably connected with the bracket through a strong resistance rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SHENZHEN WOPSON ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haibin Qu
  • Patent number: 11889987
    Abstract: A wireless imaging system comprising a head unit and a light cable is provided. The head unit comprises a head unit case, a head unit electrical connector, an image sensor, a wireless transceiver, a central processing unit, and a user-input component. The light cable comprises a light cable electrical connector, a power cable, and an integrated light source. The integrated light source comprises an emissive radiation source having a first spectrum, an optical element located to direct emissions from the emissive radiation source, a volumetric spectrum converter, and an optical reflector located about the converter. The converter converts emissions directed from the emissive radiation source to emissions having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum. The reflector reflects the converter emissions towards the output filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: LAZURITE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Malinskiy, Ilya Malinskiy, Howard Fein, Brad Roskoph, Daniel Dudley
  • Patent number: 11889985
    Abstract: An endoscope including: a shaft; a main body arranged at a proximal end of the shaft; an eyepiece arranged at a proximal end of the main body; an eyepiece system tube, in which the eyepiece is arranged; an eyepiece cone arranged at a proximal end of the eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece cone comprises at least two parts; and an electronic component arranged between the at least two parts of the eyepiece cone; wherein the electronic component is connected to an electronic circuit arranged inside the endoscope and outside the eyepiece system tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Berkner, Malte Kirsch-Roesner
  • Patent number: 11882997
    Abstract: A distal tip of an endoscopic device and a cylindrical cap is disclosed. The distal tip comprises a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface. The cylindrical cap is configured to fit tightly over the lands, thereby changing the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SCOUTCAM LTD.
    Inventors: Amir Govrin, Yekaterina Dlugach, Tsafrir Kolatt
  • Patent number: 11884170
    Abstract: An adaptor for electric vehicle charging connectors allows an EV to be shifted from park even though the charging connector is still connected to the charging port. As a result, a driver needs not leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion housing inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions and an outer portion housing outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions respectively when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: EVject, Inc.
    Inventors: Erick Vega, Kreg Peeler, Andrew Deceuster
  • Patent number: 11766166
    Abstract: An endoscope eyepiece grasping mechanism includes a base part engaging a tab member via a connected engagement member. An annular part has an outer engagement surface and an inner camming surface disposed coaxially with the base part and axially moveable relative to the base part. The engagement surface is moveable with the camming surface to move the tab member radially outwardly, with a movement of the annular part relative to the base part in a first axial direction, toward a receiving position, and to move the tab member radially inwardly, with movement of the annular part relative to the base part in a second axial direction, toward a grasping position. A biasing device acts to bias the annular part toward the grasping position. An endoscope eyepiece is engaged by the tab member upon the annular part moving from the receiving position to the grasping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Anhalt
  • Patent number: 11737653
    Abstract: An endoscope coupler for a camera, with a proximal end of the endoscope coupler for the disposition on the camera, with a camera securement mechanism for securing the endoscope coupler on the camera and with an endoscope head-receiving region for the at least partial reception of an endoscope head when an endoscope is coupled with the camera, wherein the endoscope head-receiving region is accessible across an access for the endoscope head from the direction of a distal end of the endoscope coupler, and with a movably supported jaw that secures the endoscope on the endoscope coupler. The jaw can be loaded with a spring force such that at least one region of the jaw is pressed into the access and blocks the access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ATMOS MedizinTechnik Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bjoern Boysen, Carsten Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 11690672
    Abstract: A device for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: National University of Ireland, Galway
    Inventors: David Townley, Brian Shields, Ivan Keogh, Michele Qi Zhan, Conor Farrell
  • Patent number: 11684249
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including at least one illumination source configured to emit illumination energy and an illumination control system to receive the illumination energy. The illumination control system is configured to control the illumination energy to output a sequence of different illumination wavelengths using the illumination energy. The apparatus also includes a plurality of optical fibers connected to the illumination control system and configured to sequentially output the different illumination wavelengths. Each optical fiber is configured to transmit a different illumination wavelength of the sequence to output the sequence of different illumination wavelengths from the optical fibers toward an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 11647263
    Abstract: A camera head includes a mounting unit detachably connected to an eyepiece unit of an endoscope, the camera head capturing an object image emitted from the eyepiece unit. The eyepiece unit includes an abutting surface that is orthogonal to a central axis along an insertion direction of the endoscope into a subject, and the abutting surface extending over an entire circumference in a circumferential direction around the central axis. The mounting unit is connected to the eyepiece unit and is configured to relatively rotate the endoscope and the camera head around the central axis. The mounting unit includes a facing surface that faces the abutting surface, and a pressing portion that abuts the eyepiece unit and presses the eyepiece unit toward the facing surface along the central axis. The facing surface includes a projecting portion that projects toward the abutting surface and abuts the abutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Atsuomi Ohno
  • Patent number: 11589735
    Abstract: An optical connecting device for a surgical instrument including a coupling for connecting first and second optical fiber bundles. The coupling including: a tubular sleeve having an outer surface defining an internal space for receiving an end of the first optical fiber bundle in the internal space of the tubular sleeve; a clamp movably disposed on the outer surface of the tubular sleeve, the clamp having one or more of a first convexity and a first concavity; and a union having one or more of a second convexity and a second concavity. The clamp has a continuous longitudinal opening along its longitudinal extension and on its outer side such that the clamp can be elastically deformed in a radial direction, and the clamp is configured to elastically deform such that one or more of the first convexity and the first concavity engages with one or more of the second convexity and the second concavity of the union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Wieters, Alexander Krueger
  • Patent number: 11547280
    Abstract: A video endoscope that includes a handle with a housing and an interface portion rotatably mounted relative to the housing, and an elongate shaft with one or more electronic image sensors, wherein a proximal end section of the shaft is detachably connected to the interface portion of the handle, where the interface portion includes a first connector element electrically connected to an electric transmission element of the interface portion and the shaft includes a second connector element electrically connected to the one or more electronic image sensors, the first and second connector elements co-operating to form a detachable electrical connection, and where the handle includes an electrical connection assembly arranged at an exterior of the interface portion forming an electrical connection to at least one stationary electric and/or electronic component of the handle in a multiplicity of rotational positions of the interface portion relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co KG
    Inventors: Daniel Ulmschneider, Andreas Heni, Markus Kupferschmid, Lawrence Natusch
  • Patent number: 11529039
    Abstract: Borescopes and related methods that are configured to preclude or minimize imaging in hazy and/or smoky conditions. In some embodiments, the borescope may comprise a shaft made up, at least in part, of a material that is electrically non-conductive material and/or thermally non-conductive, and a tip positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The tip may comprise at least one light source, such as an LED or array of LEDS, configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation in which no more than about 20% of the total spectral output is in the infrared spectrum. The electromagnetic radiation delivered from the at least one light source may comprise a spectrum having at least one of a local maximum and a global maximum between about 450 and about 495 nm. The at least one light source may be configured to deliver between about 20 and about 75 lumens of visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Xenocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Lane G. Brooks, Christopher Joseph Pratt, Ashok C. Khandkar, John T. Langell, Dennis James Muhlestein
  • Patent number: 11523729
    Abstract: There is provided a surgical controlling device including an exposure controlling section that performs exposure control based on a luminance detection value detected from a biological image, in which the exposure controlling section corrects, on the basis of information regarding an identified surgical optical device, the luminance detection value so as to correct luminance unevenness arising from the surgical optical device. Further, there is provided a control method including performing, by a processor, exposure control based on a luminance detection value detected from a biological image, in which the performing the exposure control further includes correcting the luminance detection value so as to correct, based on information regarding an identified surgical optical device, luminance unevenness arising from the surgical optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Murakita
  • Patent number: 11510557
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes a mother endoscope, a baby endoscope and a fixing member. The mother endoscope includes a first insertion section, a first operation section, a treatment instrument insertion channel and an opening. The baby endoscope includes a second insertion section and a second operation section. The first operation section includes a projection portion. The second operation section includes a recess portion that is a recessed face formed such that at least part of the recessed face comes into face contact with a surface of the projection portion. The second operation section is fixed to the first operation section in a state where the recess portion is in contact with the surface of the projection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiongwei Wang, Tsukasa Ota, Takuto Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 11452434
    Abstract: A baby endoscope which forms a medical device includes: a rotary member; an exterior member which rotatably holds the rotary member about a predetermined rotation axis, houses the rotary member in the exterior member, and has a surface which is brought into contact with a portion of an outer peripheral surface of an operation section of a mother endoscope on an outer peripheral portion; and a bending operation lever mounted on the rotary member, and is disposed within a width of the exterior member in a direction of the rotation axis when the exterior member is viewed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuto Yoshinaga, Chikayoshi Meguro, Tatsuhiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10962763
    Abstract: An optical unit includes: an objective lens unit arranged on a distal end side; an image pickup unit arranged on a proximal end side of the objective lens unit; an optical frame; an image pickup device frame; a proximal-end-side outer circumferential face provided on a proximal end side of the optical frame; an inner circumferential face of a distal-end-side frame body provided on a distal end side of the image pickup device frame; a plurality of notches provided apart in a circumferential direction on an outer circumferential face of one of the frames, the plurality of notches having opening portions on end faces where the optical frame and the image pickup device frame face each other; and holding portions provided on an outer circumferential face of the other frame different from the one frame, the holding portions passing through the opening portions and being accommodated in the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Kuchimaru, Yukiharu Makino, Kazuhiko Hino, Masahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 10925465
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for medical imaging. The system may comprise an optical adapter. The optical adapter may comprise a housing that comprises (1) a first end configured to releasably couple to a scope and (2) a second end configured to releasably couple to a camera. The optical adapter may comprise an image sensor coupled to the housing. The optical adapter may comprise an optics assembly disposed in the housing. The optics assembly may be configured to (1) receive light signals that are reflected from a target site within a subject's body and transmitted through the scope, and (2) reflect a first portion of the light signals onto the image sensor while permitting a second portion of the light signals to pass through to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Activ Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Tully, John Oberlin, Emanuel DeMaio, Liam O'Shea, Vasiliy Buharin, Thomas Calef
  • Patent number: 10912454
    Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Itay Sidar, Tal Davidson, Achia Kronman, Yaniv Kirma, Yuri Gershov, Golan Salman
  • Patent number: 10801959
    Abstract: An analysis device for an objective biological substance includes a generator, a divider, an analyzer, and a calculator. The generator generates a microscopic image of a tissue sample after staining. The divider divides the microscopic image into at least one section having a prescribed size. The analyzer analyzes a staining condition of the microscopic image for each section. The calculator calculates a prescribed statistic based on an analysis result by the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Gouda, Yasuhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10779715
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a first endoscope that includes a first observation optical system; a second endoscope that includes a second observation optical system different from the first observation optical system, an exit pupil diameter of the second endoscope being larger than an exit pupil diameter of the first endoscope; an imaging device that is connected to one of the first and the second endoscopes, and includes an aperture diaphragm configured to pass light output from the connected one of the first and the second endoscopes, and an imaging unit configured to receive the light passed through the aperture diaphragm and convert the received light into an electric signal; and an image processing device configured to generate an image by using the electric signal generated by the imaging device. A minimum aperture diameter of the aperture diaphragm is larger than the exit pupil diameter of the first endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Motoaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10722621
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment comprises an illuminated suction device having a distal end with a suction tip; a proximal end with a connector for a suction tube; and an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source, the illumination assembly being permanently attached to the suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: OBP MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ralph Swift
  • Patent number: 10624528
    Abstract: An endoscope connector includes: a fitting portion that has a cylindrical shape, and electrically connects an endoscope for observation of a subject to an external apparatus, the external apparatus processing information of the observed subject; a planar part provided on at least a portion of the cylindrical shape of the fitting portion; and an electroconductive part that is provided to be electrically conductive on the planar part and performs communication with the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Minoru Sato, Koji Omori
  • Patent number: 10561308
    Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventors: Itay Sidar, Tal Davidson, Achia Kronman, Yaniv Kirma, Yuri Gershov, Golan Salman
  • Patent number: 10506917
    Abstract: An endoscope configured to operate with a power supply voltage supplied from a processing device connected to the endoscope through a transmission cable is provided. The endoscope includes: a first chip including: an imaging element; and a first buffer configured to externally output an imaging signal generated by the imaging element; and a second chip including a second buffer configured to amplify the imaging signal output from the first buffer and output the amplified imaging signal to the transmission cable. The first buffer is configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the second buffer in a period in which the imaging element does not output the imaging signal to cause the second buffer to output a direct current at a predetermined level to the transmission cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Adachi
  • Patent number: 10473935
    Abstract: A system to provide views of virtual content in an interactive space, e.g., an augmented reality environment, may comprise one or more of a light source, directional control device, variable power lens, beam steering device, optical element, and/or one or more physical processors. A light source may generate collimated light rays in accordance with virtual content to be perceived within a three-dimensional light field. A directional control device may controllable adjust direction of travel of collimated light rays toward a beam steering device. A variable power lens may be positioned to receive collimated light rays between a light source and a directional control device. A beam steering device may be configured to direct collimated light rays to locations on an optical element. An optical element may be configured to reflect collimated light rays in a focal plane of a perceived three-dimensional light field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Meta View, Inc.
    Inventors: Meron Gribetz, Ashish Ahuja, Raymond Chun Hing Lo, Alan Beltran, Shengtong Chen, Run Huang, Ting Heng Hsieh, Steven Merlin Worden, Zhangyi Zhong
  • Patent number: 10413169
    Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rebound Therapeutics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Davis, Ross Tsukashima, Jeffrey J. Valko, Michael R. Henson, Todd McIntyre
  • Patent number: 10394013
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical assembly including: an upper case which is provided with a first optical path for passing light from a first light source, and a second optical path, which communicates with a side of the first optical path and which introduces the light from a second light source into the first optical path; a lower case coupled with the upper case; and a beam splitter which is disposed in the first optical path, and which maintains a traveling direction with respect to the light from the first light source and changes a direction of the light from the second light source so that the light from the second light source can travel in the same direction as the light from the first light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: INTHESMART Inc.
    Inventors: Uk Kang, Ilhyung Shin
  • Patent number: 10357145
    Abstract: A side-viewing endoscope includes an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity for imaging. A wire line is contained in the elongated tube, for moving in an axial direction back and forth. A guide device is coupled with a distal end of the wire line, caused to shift between first and second positions by the wire line, for orientation in a direction crosswise to the axial direction upon being set in the second position. An input lever is disposed at a proximal end of the wire line, for moving the wire line in the axial direction. A cam mechanism is connected between the input lever and the wire line, for shifting the guide device at a first shift between the first position and an intermediate position, and shifting the guide device at a second shift smaller than the first shift between the intermediate and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kimitake Fukushima, Yoshiyuki Kunuki
  • Patent number: 10307040
    Abstract: The invention is provided with: a camera support tube (13) one end part of which is introduced into a body; a camera unit (11) which is joined to the camera support tube inside the body; a support tube joining portion (14) which joins the camera unit and the camera support tube; a camera-side cable (12) which is connected to the camera unit and led out to an outside of the body through the camera support tube; and a control system that is provided outside the body is connected to the camera-side cable, and includes at least a display (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihisa Gotoh, Tsuguhisa Inoue, Kei Urakawa, Hitoshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 10264166
    Abstract: An intracorporeal-monitoring camera system provided with a support tube whose one end is introduced in a body, an imaging portion that is joined to the support tube in the body, a joining portion that joins the imaging portion and the support tube together, a cable that is connected with the imaging portion and drawn out to an outside of the body through the support tube, and a control system that is provided on the outside of the body, connected with the cable, and includes at least a display device. A slit is formed in the support tube so that the cable is placed in the support tube from a side of the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kei Urakawa, Toshihisa Gotoh, Tsuguhisa Inoue, Kishoh Takamatsu, Hitoshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 10136797
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscope apparatus that can improve the airtightness of a space within a connector part where an optical semiconductor element or the like is present. The endoscope apparatus includes a connector part that is connected to an external device and transmits and receives light signals to and from the external device. The connector part includes a hollow metal member having two openings that communicate with each other, a light emitting element that is press-fitted and fixed to one opening side of the hollow metal member so as to be capable of sealing the periphery of the one opening, a lens that is provided on the other opening side of the hollow metal member, a fixing member that fixes the lens to the hollow metal member, and an O ring that is pressed by the fixing member and seals a gap between the lens and the hollow metal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kimitake Fukushima
  • Patent number: 10130246
    Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventors: Itay Sidar, Tal Davidson, Achia Kronman, Yaniv Kirma, Yuri Gershov, Golan Salman
  • Patent number: 10130244
    Abstract: A case or encasement for use with a smartdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet and an endoscope is disclosed. The encasement includes a power supply, logic for controlling wireless communications, a light source, and other accessories, for use with an endoscope. In an embodiment, the encasement includes a power supply that may be used to charge a smartdevice, power a light source and a wireless communications module. Other embodiments include a mechanism for communicating between the smartdevice and the encasement to control the light source and any other accessories coupled to the encasement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Endoluxe Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Patel, Philip Zhao
  • Patent number: 10080553
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes instrument parts which can be releasably connected to one another. One part includes a hollow-cone-shaped receiving space and another part includes a cone-shaped coupling section which can be inserted into the receiving space to connect the parts. The coupling section includes a locking receiver for a locking element of the receiving space and which can be brought into and out of engagement with the locking receiver. A securing element moves between a position holding the locking element in a locking position, and a position releasing the locking element. An actuation element projects into the receiving space of the first instrument part, engages into the locking receiver in the locking position of the locking element and is movable in the direction of its middle axis. The middle axis of the actuation element is aligned in the proximal direction obliquely to a middle axis of the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Knodel, Eberhard Körner, Markus Lienhart
  • Patent number: 9962064
    Abstract: An adapter for the releasable and relockable coupling of an endoscope with a camera head has an inner wall and an outer wall that are connected with one another via a connecting wall extending between the inner wall and outer wall at or near their first axial ends, and which inner wall and outer wall are arranged with at least a lateral separation from one another, so that an open clearance results between the inner wall and outer wall on a second axial side that is situated opposite the first axial ends. Furthermore, the adapter comprises a coupling wall that seals a clearance enclosed by the inner wall at or near a second axial end of the inner wall, such that the clearance that is enclosed by the inner wall is open at a first axial side that is situated opposite the second axial end of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: XION GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Laser, Holger Muller
  • Patent number: 9883087
    Abstract: The invention relates to an objective for an image recording device for reproducing an image, which is created by a far-optical device. A housing, which is detachably connectable to an eyepiece of the far-optical device, has a greater inner diameter than the exterior diameter of an eyepiece housing. Both an exit pupil of the far-optical device and an entrance pupil of the objective are situated inside the housing. The objective has at least one lens, the optical axis of which is arranged to be parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece of the far-optical device and to the middle axis of the eyepiece housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Swarovski-Optik KG.
    Inventors: Clayton Taylor, Verena Annina Bagusat
  • Patent number: 9629647
    Abstract: A medical device and related method of use for resecting a tissue. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The elongate member may include a distal portion defining a cavity having an opening. In addition, a mechanism may be configured to adjust a volume of the cavity by altering a depth of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Smith, Samuel Raybin
  • Patent number: 9468363
    Abstract: At least two distinct electrical members each having electrical elements are provided. The electrical members are moveable with respect to each other and one or more sensors determine the relative position of the electrical members. The electrical members may be used in a medical device such as an endoscopic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Feingold, James C. Waring, John T. Shen
  • Patent number: 9456794
    Abstract: Molecular imaging of radioluminescent nanoparticle probes injected into biological tissue is performed by irradiated the tissue with ionizing radiation to induce radioluminescence at optical wavelengths, preferably at predetermined near infrared wavelengths. The optical light is detected and processed to determine a spatial distribution of the probes. The radioluminescent nanoparticles may be inorganic or organic phosphors, scintillators, or quantum dots. Imaging systems realizing this technique include tomographic systems using an x-ray beam to sequentially irradiate selected regions, systems with a radioactive source producing the ionizing radiation from outside the tissue, such as with a beam, or inside the tissue, such as with an endoscope or injected radiopharmaceutical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Colin M Carpenter, Lei Xing, Guillem Pratx, Conroy Ghin Chee Sun
  • Patent number: 9215973
    Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on for example, a physical quantity experienced by the camera system, or physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system may be varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Arkady Glukhovsky, Gavriel Meron, Doron Adler, Ofra Zinaty, Jerome Avron
  • Patent number: 9172886
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wirelessly synchronizing operation of an image sensor of an endoscopic video camera unit having a wireless transmitter with operation of a portable endoscopic light source unit includes transmitting a message packet with a target camera shutter period, light source target phase/trigger time/OFF time and light source target ON time to the light source unit. The light source unit controls the start time and the ON time for light output by a light source. The video camera unit includes a light detector for detecting the actual light source start time and duration of light output to provide closed-loop feedback. A camera controller ensures synchronization between the shutter period of the image sensor and actual operation of the light source based on the actual phase and actual ON time sensed by the light detector and the previously communicated target phase/trigger time/OFF time and target ON time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Vasudev Nambakam
  • Patent number: 8787743
    Abstract: A cable connection structure includes: a cable including a core wire and an external covering layer covering the core wire; a board on which an electrode is formed, the core wire being electrically connected to the electrode at an end face of the cable; and a compressing member attached to an outer periphery of the cable and radially compressing a part in a longitudinal direction of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Sekido
  • Patent number: 8727967
    Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Weitzner
  • Patent number: 8692874
    Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus (and related methods of manufacture and use), comprising: a chassis, having an open cylindrical groove formed therein; an image sensor assembly mounted in the chassis, the image sensor assembly comprising an electronic image sensor; a plurality of lenses, which are fitted into the groove in respective positions so as to form an image on the image sensor; and a cover, which closes over the image sensor assembly and the lenses in the chassis. The imaging system is particularly suitable as a compact imaging systems for use on instruments for open surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Adler, Shai Finkman, Oded Beckermus, Oren Beckermus
  • Patent number: 8606597
    Abstract: An endoscope inspection report creating apparatus has a file name reading section that reads file names of a plurality of endoscopic images, a file name of each of the endoscopic images including inspection result information separated with use of a predetermined symbol or character, and a report creating section that creates a predetermined report by writing the inspection result information which is included in each of the file names read by the file name reading section in each predetermined position in the predetermined report by associating the inspection result information with the endoscopic image of each of the read file names.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Saichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8556799
    Abstract: A guide tube having a tube; a ciliary portion including many cilia inclined in a longitudinal direction of the tube, provided in an outer peripheral portion of the tube; and a vibration portion provided on the tube for vibrating the ciliary portion so as to move the tube in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Iwasaki, Eiichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8496574
    Abstract: A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Gregory J. Bakos, James T. Spivey, Omar J. Vakharia, Dashiell A. Birnkrant, John J. Elliott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8469879
    Abstract: A capsule guiding system includes a capsule medical device having an imaging device that takes an in-vivo image of a subject and a magnet with a magnetization direction that is relatively fixed with respect to the imaging device; a magnetic guiding device that applies a magnetic field to the magnet in the subject and guides the capsule medical device; a display unit that displays the in-vivo image of the subject; and a control unit that causes the magnetic guiding device to apply a magnetic field in a reference direction to the magnet, initializes a rotation angle of an image taken by the imaging device when the magnetization direction of the magnet is oriented to the reference direction following the magnetic field in the reference direction, performs, referring to the image, rotation correction on subsequent in-vivo images, and causes the display unit to sequentially display the corrected in-vivo images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Akio Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8460181
    Abstract: Epicardial access and treatment systems are described herein where such devices may utilize multiple expanding frame members coupled to a flexible or rigid deployment catheter shaft. The multiple frame members may extend distally to collapse into a low-profile configuration and may further expand or open radially to create a working or surgical field under direct visualization and defined by the frame members and surrounding membrane while retracting any surrounding tissue. Moreover, the distal ends of each frame member may be tapered such that the frame members may close tightly relative to one another forming an atraumatic end. Any number of therapeutic tools can be passed through the catheter for performing any number of procedures on the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Nidus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam