Abstract: In a video imaging system a camera generates image data. A control unit controls the camera and a channel transmits a control signal in the nature of camera operating information and image data from the camera to the control unit. A light guide transmits light to an object, wherein the camera is receptive of light reflected off of the object thereby generating the image data.

Abstract: A tip portion of a flexible inserting tube of an electronic endoscope includes a solid-state image sensing device mounted in the tip portion of the flexible inserting tube. The solid-state image sensing device includes a buffer substrate having a rear surface. The rear surface is provided with an earth terminal. The rear surface is also provided with an electronic component protruding rearwards from the rear surface. An conductive block such as a metal block is fixed on the earth terminal. The conductive block protrudes rearwards beyond the electronic component. A signal cable is passed through the flexible tube. The signal cable has a ground line such as a woven metal shield surrounding at least one signal line of the signal cable. The ground line of the signal cable is connected to the conductive block at a side opposite to the buffer substrate.

Abstract: A nonvolatile, programmable memory is incorporated in an endoscope. Endoscope-related data closely relevant to the endoscope, such as, an endoscope model name and the number of power feeds are stored in the nonvolatile memory. The endoscope is connected to an external image processing apparatus, and endoscope-related data is read from the nonvolatile memory. Based on the read endoscope-related data, the use situation of the endoscope is grasped or the endoscope is managed. The number of power feeds is varied depending on the use situation of the endoscope, and written in the nonvolatile memory. Thus, the endoscope-related data is used to maintain the endoscope and reduce a load to be incurred by the external image processing apparatus that is a connected apparatus. Consequently, the endoscope can be managed and maintained easily using a small software system.

Abstract: A lead is connected to a shield through a notch formed on a sheathing of the shield so that the connecting part between the shield and the lead is contained within the notch. A sheathing of the lead can be directly connected over the sheathing of the shield, and at the same time the end of the shield and the end of the lead can be prevented from directly contacting with the core leads. Thus, the connecting part is not bulky, and the cable can be thinner.

Abstract: An endoscope capable of being autoclaved in accordance with the present invention includes an insertion unit, an internal endoscope space, and contents. The insertion unit has a soft member, which is made of a soft polymeric material, as at least part of a casing thereof. The internal endoscope space includes the internal space of the insertion unit that is formed at a first sealing level at which the internal space is sealed in a watertight manner relative to an outside. The contents include at least one hermetically sealed unit composed of a plurality of airtight partition members and formed at a second sealing level higher than the first sealing level by joining the meeting portions of the airtight partition members using an airtight joining material. All or part of the airtight partition members is stowed in the internal endoscope space.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope in accordance with the present invention consists broadly of an operation unit, an elongated insertion unit, and a universal cord. The operation unit has a treatment appliance insertion port and various operation switches and fills the role of a hand-held unit. The insertion unit extends from the lower end of the operation unit in a direction substantially corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the operation unit. The universal cord extends in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the operation unit at an acute angle, and accommodates at least a signal cable extending from the top of the operation unit.

Abstract: A lead is connected to a shield through a notch formed on a sheathing of the shield so that the connecting part between the shield and the lead is contained within the notch. A sheathing of the lead can be directly connected over the sheathing of the shield, and at the same time the end of the shield and the end of the lead can be prevented from directly contacting with the core leads. Thus, the connecting part is not bulky, and the cable can be thinner.

Abstract: A connection system for an electronic endoscope, including a flexible scope and a video-signal processing unit, is utilized to establish a detachable connection between the scope and the unit. The scope has a solid image sensor to produce image-pixel signals, and the unit has a processor for processing the image-pixel signals to produce a video signal. The scope includes a first power line, a first group of signal lines and a first ground line which are utilized to feed said image-pixel signals to the unit, and the unit include a second power line, a second group of signal lines and a second ground line which are utilized to receive the image-pixel signals from the scope. A transistor is provided in one of the first and second power lines, and is usually in an OFF-state.

Abstract: A video endoscopic probe has a distal terminal utilizing an objective, a color CCD sensor, and an electrical interface microcircuit. The probe utilizes a continuous bundle of optical fibers which is coupled to a light source. The probe also has a video processor coupled to an electrical interface microcircuit. This video processor is adapted to supply and synchronize electrical signals from the color CCD sensor, to process the electrical signal generated by said color CCD sensor, and to produce a video signal. The color video monitor is adapted to receive the video signal produced by the video processor. The probe also has a tubular probe coupled to the distal terminal and a control handle adapted to include the video processor and the color video monitor. A multiconductor electrical is used to couple the video processor to the electrical interface microcircuit.

Abstract: An endoscope has an elongated insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, wherein the insertion portion directs illumination light for illuminating the subject, and comprises a cylindrical light directing member being hard enough to maintain its configuration, and an optical system and an image sensing device provided inside the light directing member for observing the subject, and wherein the image sensing device comprises a solid-state image sensing device for converting light from the optical system into an electric signal, and a circuit board electrically connected to the solid-state image sensing device.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope with which the electrical insulation between side faces of a solid-state imaging element and inner leads of a flexible circuit board will be secured and with which the external dimension after assembly of the unit comprised of the solid-state imaging element and the flexible circuit board can be made small. The inner leads of the flexible circuit board are bonded to pad parts disposed on the solid-state imaging element, and these inner leads are bent so as to be disposed along the side faces of the solid-state imaging element. An electrically insulating tape is attached to the side faces of the solid-state imaging element along which inner leads are disposed.

Abstract: A handle for a diagnostic instrument includes a battery housing for retaining at least one rechargeable battery and a set of interchangeable adapters which can be selectively and releasably engaged with the housing to allow recharging of the battery through interconnection with an external power source, such as a wall outlet. The adapters are directly attached and detached to one end of the battery housing without requiring any disassembly or modification of the battery housing, allowing the instrument to be used either with or without an attached adapter.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a insertion tube which is inserted into a human body, an imaging device, an object optical system which forms image on the imaging device, a detachable unit accommodating the imaging device and the object optical system. The detachable unit is detachably mounted to a mounting portion of the insertion tube. At least one first contact is provided to the detachable unit. At least one second contact is provided to the mounting portion. The first and second contacts are electrically connected when the detachable unit is mounted to the mounting portion. A waterproof arrangement is provided to prevent water from entering a connecting potion of the first and second contacts.

Abstract: Surgical devices with removable imaging capability and methods are disclosed. The imaging capability for the surgical devices are provided by a very small microendoscope having processor circuitry at the distal end for providing a video ready signal to a monitor. Because of the small size of the microendoscope, it can be used in conjunction with many surgical instruments which traditionally do not have integral imaging capability. In one application, the microendoscope may be used with Jackson grasping forceps. In another application, the microendoscope may be used with either a stent placement catheter or balloon catheter. In yet another application, the microendoscope may be used with an over-tube tissue separating, dissecting or fulgeration device.

Abstract: A TV camera is attached to an eyepiece unit of an endoscope and includes a solid-state imaging device. A housing of the TV camera has an outer metallic sheathing. The outer metallic sheathing is hermetically coupled via an insulating material to a metallic housing frame of an electric connector which has contact pins connected to the solid-state imaging device and which is fixed hermetically using a hermetic seal. This structure defines a hermetically enclosed space which can withstand autoclaving. A shielding sheathing layer is formed inside an insulating layer within the hermetic space in order to shield an electric circuit including the solid-state imaging device and which is located inside the shielding sheathing layer. The shielding sheathing layer is designed to communicate with the housing metallic frame of the connector that is isolated and sheathed. This structure provides measures for solving problems concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: A pass-through duodenal enteroscopic device utilizes the natural contraction wave of the small intestine to propel the device through the small intestine at about the same speed as any other object therein. The exterior of the device is streamlined over the greater portion thereof with a video camera and illumination source at the forward end of the device. Covering the camera lens and illumination source is a transparent inflatable balloon adapted to gently expand the small intestine immediately forward the camera for better viewing. A small diameter communication and power cable is wound within the device and unwinds through an aperture in the rear of the device as the device moves through the small intestine. Upon completion of movement through the small intestine the cable is automatically separated from the device permitting the cable to be withdrawn through the stomach and intestine. The device continues through the large intestine and passes from the patient through the rectum.

Abstract: A signal cable for transmitting a plurality of signals is applied to a video endoscope having a solid state image pick-up device. Signal lines for transmitting substantially the same signals of the plurality of signals are combined and stranded into a stranded line. The stranding pitch of the stranding line is different from that of a stranding line for transmitting other signals.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises inner and outer tubes, the inner metal tube containing electrical an objective unit components including a solid state video imaging unit. An electrically insulative sleeve is disposed around the inner tube for electrically isolating the inner tube and electrical components from the outer tube. In a preferred embodiment, an electrically insulative ring is disposed between a major portion of the inner tube and distal end portion of the inner tube to electrically isolate the inner tube distal end portion from the inner tube major portion and the electrical components. Thus, those endoscope components which are likely to contact a patient, i.e., the outer tube and the inner tube distal end portion, are electrically isolated from the inner tube and the electrical components therein, thereby preventing injurious electrical current flow to the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided that comprises a micro-size video camera, a flexible cable attached to the camera comprising fiber optical means for transmitting light to illuminate the site viewed by the camera and electrical conductors for transmitting electronic signals generated by the camera in response to images viewed by the camera, and a malleable or rigid shaft detachably connected to and supporting said camera and said cable. The rigid shaft may be straight or may be preformed in a selected curved configuration. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a malleable shaft is permanently attached to said camera. Using a malleable shaft offers the advantage that the shaft is manually manipulable into various configurations to facilitate access to different surgical sites, with the shaft having the ability to remain in each selected configuration until manually reformed into another configuration.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: A balloon-tipped, wire-guided double lumen, endobronchial blocker catheter (6) is provided for insertion into the tracheal bronchial tree using a fiberoptic bronchoscope (2). The catheter incorporates a removable wire guide (14), which runs the entire length of the catheter exiting the tip as a small unencased wire loop (12). The small unencased wire loop is positioned around the circumference of a fiberoptic bronchoscope and when advanced along the fiberoptic bronchoscope thereby allows the catheter to navigate the airway using the fiberoptic bronchoscope as a guide or stint allowing the catheter to reach portions of the lung where access is difficult due to sharp bends in the tracheal bronchial tree. A balloon (8) thereof is inflated to provide obstruction of a portion of the lung from ventilation. The long wire guide loop is removable allowing communication of the blocked segment with the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An anti-fogging lens device, having a plural number of optical glass lens elements mounted within a lens barrel, including a first lens element located in a foremost position on the side of a subject and a second lens element located behind and at a space from the first lens element. A spacer ring is fitted in the lens barrel to set apart the first and second lens elements by a gap space of a predetermined width. The spacer ring is formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the lens elements and, on the inner peripheral side thereof, provided with a moisture depositing surface which is formed in a non-flat shape to increase its surface area. The lens barrel is fitted in a cylindrical member, and a seal pocket, to be packed with a seal material, is formed between the lens barrel and the cylindrical member to stop clearances between these two members with a secure hermetical seal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has a printed-circuit board electrically connected to a solid-state imaging device, and a composite cable electrically connected to said printed-circuit board and made by bundling up a plurality of cables including at least one of plain cables and coaxial cables. An aligner for aligning the plurality of cables contained in the composite cable in a desired form is attached to the distal part of the composite cable. The distal side of the composite cable with the aligner attached to the distal part thereof is opposed to a plane of the printed-circuit board having electrodes. The conductors of the cables of the composite cable and the electrodes on the printed-circuit board are mutually connected all at once directly or indirectly via conducting patterns exposed on the distal side of the aligner. The work of connecting the cables of the composite cable to the electrodes on the printed-circuit board becomes simpler, and a rigid section becomes shorter.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus provided with an electronic endoscope having arranged thereon a solid-state image pickup element at an insertion portion, and external devices such as a light source device for supplying an illumination light to the electronic endoscope, a video processor for processing an electrical signal transmitted from the solid-state image pickup element of the electronic endoscope to produce a video signal. An electrical connection portion for electrically connecting the electronic endoscope and the video processor is provided at a connector portion which is provided at an end of a universal cord which connects the electronic endoscope and the light source device. An electromagnetic interference countermeasure member is provided which covers at least one of the connector portion, the universal cord and the external devices. A dual shield around a signal line is also provided which includes spirally-wound lead wires having different diameters and ends connected to video ground.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system comprises an insertional part at least part of whose armor is a conductor, an imaging unit incorporated in the insertional part and realized with a solid-state imaging device, a signal transmitting device for transmitting an electric signal that results from photoelectric conversion performed by the solid-state imaging device, and a signal processor for transforming an electric signal transmitted by the signal transmitting device into a video signal. The conductor serving as the armor of the insertional part is electrically isolated from the imaging unit, signal transmitting device, signal processor, and around.

Abstract: An endoscope including an insertion tube containing a TAB imager package in the distal end thereof. The imager is mounted in a complementary opening formed in a circuit board and the board is aligned along the central axis of the insertion tube. Fine pitch leads extend from between the imager and a transparent window covering the imager to both sides of the imager. The leads are bonded to traces on the board which connect the leads to circuitry mounted on the board. A reflecting surface optically couples the imager to a forward viewing lens system.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic instrument includes a casing having a hand-holdable body portion and a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: A shielding structure of an electronic endoscope apparatus which can sufficiently remove noise even when an electric cautery is used. A signal transmission cable which connects a charge coupled device disposed at the end portion of an electronic endoscope to a processor unit is electrically shielded by a double shield composed by an inner shield and an outer shield. The inner shield is connected to the ground in a light source connector and the outer shield is connected to the frame ground of the processor unit through a capacitor. The outer shield is further connected to a shielding member provided around the charge coupled device and a patient ground to which an electrode piece of an electric cautery is connected. Noise is greatly removed, so that the picture quality is improved.

Abstract: An improved hand-held diagnostic dental probe includes a casing that having a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.