View Field Altering Means Patents (Class 600/173)
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Patent number: 11957439Abstract: Closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems include a sealed, closed cavity enclosing a sensor and forming a closed cavity sensor assembly. The closed cavity sensor assembly may be tilted and/or translated relative to a platform in order to adjust the orientation of the sensor to align it with an imaging optical axis. Following alignment, the closed cavity sensor assembly may be permanently or reversibly fixed in place. The closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems may be part of medical imaging systems such as endoscopic imaging systems and/or open field imaging systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Frederick Allen Moore, Lesley Myron Otsig, Muhammad Nasir Al-Din bin Zulkafly, Theodore Drew Fast Husby
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Patent number: 11954906Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic device, in particular medical or industrial endoscopic device, wherein the endoscopic device comprises, as components, a light source, an optical fiber, a camera, and an endoscope comprising an optical element or a plurality of optical elements, and at least one optical element comprises an optical marking for verifying an identity of the optical element and/or of the endoscope such that the optical marking can be detected by the camera for verifying the identity and/or a configuration of the endoscopic device. The invention furthermore relates to a method for verifying an identity of a component of an endoscopic device, and a computer program product for evaluating an image acquisition of an optical marking of an optical element and for identifying an endoscope of an endoscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Hinding
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Patent number: 11937786Abstract: An imaging system is provided comprising an imaging probe and at least one delivery device. The imaging probe comprises an elongate shaft, a rotatable optical core and an optical assembly. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. The rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft and comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The rotatable optical core is configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit. The optical assembly is positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end. The optical assembly is configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. The imaging probe is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site. The at least one delivery device is constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the imaging probe.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Gentuity, LLCInventors: Christopher Petroff, Christopher Petersen, David W. Kolstad
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Patent number: 11877721Abstract: A surgical system includes at least two laparoscopic instruments having distal portions positionable in a body cavity. An endoscopic camera is carried by a robotic automated assistant and is positionable in the body cavity to capture images of a surgical site and the distal portions of the laparoscopic instruments. At least one computerized platform is configured for receiving input from a user input device indicating a user selection of a selected one of the laparoscopic instruments, visually identifying the selected one of said laparoscopic instruments using a graphic designator on said displayed images of the surgical site, tracking the selected laparoscopic instrument using image information received from said endoscopic camera, and causing the automated assistant to maneuver the endoscopic camera so as to focus said endoscope on s the selected laparoscopic instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: AAsensus Surgical Europe S.à.R.L.Inventors: Mordehai Sholev, Gal Atarot, Motti Frimer
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Patent number: 11771314Abstract: An intraoral scanner includes a projecting module, an image-capturing module, a linkage structure, and a manipulation part. The projecting module includes a first lens device and a light source. Light emitted by the light source is projected out of the intraoral scanner by the first lens device. The image-capturing module includes a second lens device and an image sensor. The image sensor receives the light from the outside of the intraoral scanner through the second lens device. The manipulation part is exposed from the intraoral scanner and is mechanically linked with the first or second lens device through the linkage structure. Therein, the manipulation part is operable to correspondingly move at least one first lens of the first lens device or at least one second lens of the second lens device through the linkage structure, so as to adjust a scanning zone of the intraoral scanner.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Qisda CorporationInventors: Sheng-Wen Hu, Ming-Kuen Lin
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Patent number: 11684247Abstract: A video imaging system is provided. The video imaging system is configured to maintain a video image displayed on a display unit in a predetermined orientation based upon a use. The video imaging system includes an endoscope, a camera head unit, a camera control unit configured to determine a focal distance, and a display control unit. The display control unit is configured to process the focal distance to determine a use. The use is processed by the display control unit so as to maintain the video image in the predetermined orientation. The contextual information may be focal distance, image data or endoscopic orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Eric L Hale
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Patent number: 11653821Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle operation unit. The handle operation unit includes: an outer ring; a cam ring accommodated in the outer ring to rotate in accordance with rotation of the outer ring about a central axis and having a pair of guide holes; a pair of slide members accommodated in the respective guide holes and fixed to a force transmission member; and a support portion having a pair of slide grooves extending along a longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of slide members. The slide members slide in the respective slide grooves in accordance with the rotation of the outer ring. The field of view of the image-capturing unit is changed in accordance with sliding of the pair of slide members.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignees: NIREC CORPORATION, MIZUHO CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuo Sumida, Hiromi Sato, Haruyasu Katahira, Ichiro Kitani
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Patent number: 11633086Abstract: An external mechanism for an endoscope includes: a bending wheel configured to engage with a second UD knob of a second bending operation device provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a motor portion configured to generate a driving force for rotating the bending wheel; a housing case housing the bending wheel and the motor portion and detachably attached to the operation portion, and an operation switch arranged outside the housing case and configured to output a control signal to the motor portion due to the operating element being operated, in which the operation switch is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft and rotates with respect to the housing case.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Ramiya Uchida, Masanobu Koitabashi, Yasuhiro Okamoto
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Patent number: 11540701Abstract: There is provided a medical holding apparatus including: a first actuator configured to cause a medical optical tool that guides light from a body cavity of a subject to a camera head during a surgical operation, to rotate about an optical axis of the medical optical tool and a rotation mechanism configured to support the camera head that acquires an image of the body cavity of the subject via the medical optical tool, the camera head being rotatable about the optical axis of the medical optical tool independently from the medical optical tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Arai, Yohei Kuroda, Masaru Usui, Tetsuharu Fukushima
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Patent number: 11534241Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes: an endoscope; a first manipulator equipped with a first treatment tool at a distal end thereof; a second manipulator equipped with a second treatment tool at a distal end thereof; a display for a user to view; and a controller configured to generate an image to be displayed on the display. The controller is configured to: acquire a first image taken by the endoscope, the first image contains the first treatment tool; and in response to determining that the second treatment tool does not exist in the first image: calculate a relative distance and a relative direction between the first treatment tool and the second treatment tool; generate a second image showing the relative distance and the relative direction between the first treatment tool and the second treatment tool; and send the first image and the second image to the display.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Kyohei Kurihara, Mitsuaki Hasegawa
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Patent number: 11534243Abstract: An image guided surgical system includes a marker attachable to and removable from an elongated surgical tool having a shaft, and at least one camera, and an image processing system in communication with the camera configured to obtain an image of the surgical tool. The image processing system is configured to operate in a calibration mode to generate a template and display the template on a display device and to receive a user input, after the image of the surgical tool is aligned to the template, to adjust a length of the template to substantially match a length of the surgical tool. A storage device in communication with the image processing system is included to store calibration information that associates a position of the marker with a position of the tip of the shaft of the surgical tool based on the adjusted length of the template.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: CLEAR GUIDE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Philipp Jakob Stolka, Pezhman Foroughi, Ehsan Basafa, Martin Hossbach
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Patent number: 11506789Abstract: [Object] To acquire distance information concerning a living tissue through an endoscope with higher accuracy irrespective of the diameter of the endoscope. [Solution] An imaging device according to the present disclosure includes: a ranging light source section configured to output ranging light for measuring a distance at a predetermined timing; an image sensor on which an image of the imaging target is formed; a ranging light image sensor on which optical feedback of the ranging light from the imaging target is imaged; a branch optical system configured to coaxially branch incident light into three types of optical paths different from one another; and a distance information calculating section configured to calculate distance information concerning the imaging target on a basis of a result of detection of the optical feedback.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Goro Fujita, Hiroshi Yoshida, Kenji Tanaka
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Patent number: 11478126Abstract: A video laryngoscope and elongate laryngoscope insertion section for a video laryngoscope, comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in theType: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Matthew John Ross McGrath, Peter Douglas Colin Inglis
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Patent number: 11478130Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure relate to an endoscope, comprising: a shaft comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising a rigid attachment segment configured to be removably coupled to an adapter or instrument, a surface of the rigid attachment segment comprising: a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion; and a housing coupled to the shaft. The surface of the rigid attachment segment may include multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the adapter can be coupled to the endoscope in a plurality of lengthwise positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: RESNENT, LLCInventor: Willard S. Noyes
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Patent number: 11474339Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ethan Patrick O'Connor, David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne Ray Grady
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Patent number: 11298000Abstract: An endoscopic device includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an imaging unit configure to capture the subject image; a lens unit including a focus lens configured to adjust a focus by moving along an optical axis; a detection processor configured to perform detection processing of positioning a position of the focus lens at an in-focus position based on an image within the detection frame; a lens controller configured to position the focus lens at the in-focus position based on a processing result from the detection processor; a distal end detector configured to detect a distal end of a treatment tool in the captured image based on the captured image; and a detection frame setting unit configured to perform setting processing of setting a position of the detection frame in the captured image based on a position of the distal end of the treatment tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Naoshi Koizumi, Noriaki Fujita, Yuichi Yamada
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Patent number: 11213189Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic device, in particular for medical applications, comprising an endoscope with a shaft that is introducible into a subject under examination, and a data processing unit, three or more optical imaging units having respective imaging elements arranged distally on the shaft and image sensors associated therewith for providing image data sets for the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit is configured and programmed such that it uses the image data sets to determine corresponding image points therein and generates a 3D surface data set of an object imaged by the imaging units in the subject under examination. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for endoscopic examination.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Aesculap AGInventors: Hans-Gerd Maas, Niklas Paul Conen, Thomas Luhmann
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Patent number: 11214732Abstract: Provided is a quantum dot surface ligand exchange method. The method comprises the steps: pre-treating proton-containing ligands using a deprotonating agent to obtain deprotonated ligands; mixing a pre-prepared quantum dot solution having original ligands with the deprotonated ligands, after stirring for a predetermined amount of time at room temperature, a ligand exchange reaction occurring, and after washing, obtaining a quantum dot having the deprotonated ligands on the surface. The quantum dot ligand exchange method has a high reaction rate and is easy to operate; after the ligand exchange, the deprotonated ligands firmly bind to cations on the surface of the quantum dot, and after the ligand exchange, the quantum dot provides a stable colloidal solution, and has good solubility and high luminous efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: TCL TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATIONInventors: Huijun Qin, Yixing Yang
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Patent number: 11207099Abstract: System and methods are provided for adaptively and intraoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.Inventors: Cameron Piron, Michael Wood, Gal Sela, Joshua Richmond, Murugathas Yuwaraj, Stephen McFadyen, Alex Panther, Nishanthan Shanmugaratnam, William Lau, Monroe M. Thomas, Wes Hodges, Simon Alexander, David Gallop
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Patent number: 11202014Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for providing a scope having an imaging sensor which provides a two thousand pixel by two thousand pixel array of pixels. The imaging sensor allows for an angle of view to be changed within a field of view by selecting a one thousand pixel by one thousand pixel set within the two thousand pixel by two thousand pixel array of pixels containing imaging data that corresponds to a desired angle of view.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Inventor: Laurent Blanquart
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Patent number: 11166624Abstract: A medical visualisation system including a first medical visualisation device having a first device colour identifier, a second medical visualisation device having a second device colour identifier, a third medical visualisation device having a third device colour identifier, and a monitor device, the first device colour identifier being a first colour, the second device colour identifier being a second colour, and the third device colour identifier being a third colour. The first colour has a first hue angle, the second colour has a second hue angle, and the third colour has a third hue angle, wherein the first hue angle and the second hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, the second hue angle and the third hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, and the third hue angle and the first hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: AMBU A/SInventors: Line Sandahl Ubbesen, Brian Nielsen, Henrik Frengler, Christina Hahnemann
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Patent number: 11123150Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an assistance system, and an information processing method that enable suitable assistance to be performed on a surgeon. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit extracts, on the basis of a first image obtained by picking up an image of a surgical part including an affected part and metadata of a situation obtained from past surgery or examination, a parameter of assistance performed with respect to the situation, which is made to correspond to the metadata.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Ichiki, Takami Mizukura, Daisuke Tsuru, Kentaro Fukazawa
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Patent number: 11109748Abstract: A medical observation apparatus includes: a camera configured to capture an observation object to output an imaging signal; a support configured to movably support the camera; and controller circuitry configured to control, when a normal observation mode with white light is switched to a special-light observation mode with special light, the support such that the camera is moved to a position so as to obtain a working distance that is set for the special-light observation mode and that is shorter than a working distance in the normal observation mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.Inventor: Naobumi Okada
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Patent number: 11083536Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an assistance system, and an information processing method that enable suitable assistance to be performed on a surgeon. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit extracts, on the basis of a first image obtained by picking up an image of a surgical part including an affected part and metadata of a situation obtained from past surgery or examination, a parameter of assistance performed with respect to the situation, which is made to correspond to the metadata.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Ichiki, Takami Mizukura, Daisuke Tsuru, Kentaro Fukazawa
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Patent number: 11083489Abstract: A trocar for inserting a surgical instrument in a body may include: a pipe including an outer cylinder relatively slidable in an axial direction, and an inner cylinder; a head located on a proximal end of the pipe; a camera that is journaled in a distal end notch of the pipe inner cylinder so as to be turnable between a deployment state in which the camera rotates to the outside of the pipe and a storage state in which the camera is stored inside the pipe; and a coil spring biasing the camera to the deployment state.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Takaharu Fujii, Takashi Saotome, Hiroki Taoka
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Patent number: 10835103Abstract: An endoscope illumination apparatus includes a light convertor including first and second light conversion members that receive primary light emitted from a primary light source and convert at least one of the optical properties of the primary light, a detector that receives at least part of first light conversion light converted by the first light conversion member as detection light, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to a quantity of the detection light, and an operation estimation circuit that estimates, based on an amount of change in the detection signal output from the detector, whether any one of the first and second light conversion members is in an abnormal operation or both of the first and second light conversion members are in an abnormal operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuaki Tamura, Masahiro Nishio
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Patent number: 10792107Abstract: Methods and system perform tool tracking during minimally invasive robotic surgery. Tool states are determined using triangulation techniques or a Bayesian filter from either or both non-endoscopically derived and endoscopically derived tool state information, or from either or both non-visually derived and visually derived tool state information. The non-endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from sensor data provided either by sensors associated with a mechanism for manipulating the tool, or sensors capable of detecting identifiable signals emanating or reflecting from the tool and indicative of its position, or external cameras viewing an end of the tool extending out of the body. The endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from image data provided by an endoscope inserted in the body so as to view the tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Hoffman, David Q. Larkin, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Guanghua G. Zhang, Rajesh Kumar
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Patent number: 10674048Abstract: The present application relates to a panorama stitching camera, including: a base provided with a fixing plate; a main shaft passing vertically through the fixing plate; and a plurality of lenses disposed at one end of the main shaft, wherein, a limiting protrusion and a shaft end retaining ring that abut respectively against two opposite sides of the fixing plate are disposed at the other end of the main shaft. When the angle of view of the panorama stitching camera is being adjusted, the plurality of lenses can rotate around the axis of the main shaft simply by rotation of the main shaft. Thus, the adjustment of the angle of view of the lens along the circumferential direction of the main shaft is achieved, and the operation of adjusting the angle of view of the panorama stitching camera is greatly simplified. Thus, the problem that the angle of view of an existing panorama stitching camera cannot be adjusted readily during use is solved.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: HANGZHOU HIKVISION DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hongjie Guan, Zhan Ye, Caisheng Yan
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Patent number: 10593233Abstract: A laparoscopic trainer platform assembly includes: a training platform; a base, configured to accommodate at least one target array; the target array including a planar surface upon which are disposed a plurality of protruding targets oriented at various angles on the base; a left side support for supporting the training platform on the base; and a right side support for supporting the training platform on the base.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: VTI Medical, Inc.Inventor: Angelo Tortola
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Patent number: 10506919Abstract: An operation switching mechanism includes a wire, a reciprocating movement member, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, switching members configured to switch states in which the first biasing member and the second biasing member perform biasing, and an operation member configured to operate the switching members according to operation from an outside and move the reciprocating movement member to a first movement position or a second movement position.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takuto Yoshinaga, Kazuhiko Hino
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Patent number: 10092167Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.Inventors: Yaniv Kirma, Golan Salman, Amram Aizenfeld, Leonid Krivopisk, Moshiko Levi, Stephan Wieth, Jeruham Avron, Robby Dascalo, Avi Levy, Mark Gilreath, Victor Levin
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Patent number: 10007104Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer shaft with a distal end whose surface is configured by a cylindrical mantle surface and a curved front surface, such that the distal end of the outer shaft includes a mantle component and a curved front component that is joined to the mantle component. A distance of an interface between the mantle component and the front component from an edge between the mantle surface and the curved front surface is no greater than a wall thickness of the mantle component or no greater than a wall thickness of the front component.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KGInventors: Andre Buerk, Peter Eisenkolb
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Patent number: 9877638Abstract: An endoscope with a viewing angle that can be adjusted within a predetermined angular range includes a movable light-diverting device on the distal end of the endoscope on whose orientation the viewing angle of the endoscope depends, and a jointed device to movably hold the light-diverting device. The jointed device is configured for a movement of the light-diverting device that includes more than only a pivoting about a single pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KGInventor: Andre Buerk
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Patent number: 9763563Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope system including an endoscope having an image receiver with a variable direction of view adjustable over a viewing range bound by a first limit and a second limit and a single button for adjusting the variable direction of view of the image receiver, wherein actuation of the single button advances the variable direction of view sequentially through the viewing range. When the image receiver is at the second limit of the viewing range, actuation of the single button adjusts the image receiver back to the first limit of the viewing range.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, William S. Schnorr
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Patent number: 9706903Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.Inventors: Yaniv Kirma, Golan Salman, Amram Aizenfeld, Leonid Krivopisk, Moshiko Levi, Stephan Wieth, Jeruham Avron, Robby Dascalo, Avi Levy, Mark Gilreath, Victor Levin
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Patent number: 9655679Abstract: A steerable probe having high-power-density actuators positioned at joints along the length of the probe. The actuators are moveable about and between a straight position and a curved position in response to selective actuation.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Jaydev P. Desai, Elif Ayvali
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Patent number: 9606350Abstract: In certain embodiments, a scanning system includes optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements include an optical fiber and a gradient-index (GRIN) lens. The optical fiber has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis, and is configured to transmit a light ray. The GRIN lens has a GRIN perimeter and a GRIN lens optical axis, and is configured to refract the light ray. The movement system moves a first optical element relative to a second optical element in a closed path such that the GRIN lens optical axis substantially aligns with the imaginary fiber axis at at least one point of the path and the GRIN perimeter intersects the imaginary fiber axis at at least two points of the path.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Dean Y. Lin, Kambiz Parto, Edouard G. Schmidtlin, Barry L. Wheatley
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Patent number: 9474437Abstract: An endoscope including: a shaft tube; a fibre tube disposed within the shaft tube; an image guide having a distal objective, the image guide being disposed within the shaft tube; and an optical fibre bundle disposed in a free cross-section between the fibre tube and the shaft tube. Wherein the fibre tube has an elongate cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBHInventors: Martin Wieters, Philipp Abel
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Patent number: 9427141Abstract: An endoscope pipe with a central, elongated observation window on the distal end, whereby several light outlet openings for fiberoptic end surfaces are positioned close to the observation window for illuminating the angle area observed through the observation window and the light outlet openings are positioned asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal extension of the observation window and/or the fiberoptic end surfaces are held in the light outlet openings in such a way that light is beamed from the fiberoptic end surfaces into the angle area in various directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Fang Lei, Ulrich Weiger
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Patent number: 9392930Abstract: An endoscope with adjustable viewing angle includes one of a number of light outlet devices on the distal end of the endoscope, such that the light outlet devices are configured and positioned to conduct illuminating light emerging from different light outlet devices into at least partly different solid angles, several lightwave conductors to conduct illuminating light to the light outlet devices and a light splitting device for controllably switching illuminating light into one or more of the number of lightwave conductors.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Fang Lei, Ulrich Weiger
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Patent number: 9323049Abstract: In certain embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber and a focusing element. The optical fiber transmits a light ray and has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis. The focusing element refracts the light ray and has a focusing element optical axis that is substantially aligned with the imaginary fiber axis. The movement system rotates the focusing element about the focusing element optical axis to scan the light ray. In other embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber, a focusing element, and a prism. The prism has a prism optical axis and receives the light ray from the focusing element. The movement system rotates the prism about the prism optical axis to scan the light ray.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Tammo Hereen, Mauricio Jochinsen, Dean Y. Lin, Michael J. Papac, Kambiz Parto, Edouard G. Schmidtlin, Barry L. Wheatley, Lingfeng Yu
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Patent number: 9320418Abstract: An endoscope having an adjustable illumination direction includes a reflective surface reflecting illumination light for the illumination of an object observed by means of the endoscope, the reflective surface being moveable in order to adjust the illumination direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ulrich Weiger
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Patent number: 9320419Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the fluid channeling component comprising one or more fluid channels configured for flowing for insufflation and/or irrigation fluid, and one or more support elements adapted to receive, support and/or secure a flexible electronic circuit board and/or one or more of a front camera, a side camera, an optical assembly, and a light source attached thereto; and a folded flexible electronic circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: EndoChoice Innovation Center Ltd.Inventors: Yaniv Kirma, Avi Levy, Golan Salman, Amram Aizenfeld
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Patent number: 9319842Abstract: A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Robert Hall
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Patent number: 9307892Abstract: An endoscope with an adjustable viewing direction includes a shaft, an image transmission device for transmitting an image from a distal end of the endoscope to a proximal end of the endoscope, a hermetically tight sheath around the image transmission device, with a light admission window at the distal end of the endoscope, a manipulating device at the proximal end of the endoscope, a swivel actuation device on the manipulating device for manual adjustment of an angle between the viewing direction and a longitudinal axis of the shaft, a magnetic coupling device for magnetically transmitting a force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, between the swivel actuation device and a force transmission device inside the hermetically tight sheath, and a rotation actuation device on the manipulating device for manually rotating the viewing direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft relative to the manipulating device.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Karl Storz, GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jan Dahmen
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Patent number: 9295379Abstract: The invention provides an improved interface between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery, holding a laparoscopic camera and/or controlling an automated endoscope assistant including at least one wireless transmitter with at least one operating key, at least one wireless receiver, at least one conventional laparoscopy computerized system loaded with conventional surgical instrument spatial location software, and conventional automated assistant maneuvering software, software loaded onto the conventional laparoscopy system that enables a visual response to the depression of at least one key on the wireless transmitter as well as an interface with the conventional automated assistant maneuvering software so as to achieve movement of the endoscope, and at least one video screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: M.S.T. MEDICAL SURGERY TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventor: Mordehai Sholev
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Patent number: 9295391Abstract: A spectrally encoded endoscopic probe having high resolution and small diameter comprising at least one flexible optical fiber; an energy source; a grating through which said energy is transmitted such that the energy spectrum is dispersed; a lens for focusing the dispersed energy spectrum onto a sample such that the impingement spot for each wavelength is a separate position on the sample, the wavelength spectrum defining a wavelength encoded axis; means for mechanically scanning the sample with focused energy in a direction perpendicular to the wavelength encoded axis; a means for receiving energy reflected from the sample; and, a means for detecting the received reflected energy. The probe grating and lens delivers a beam of multi-spectral light having spectral components extending in one dimension across a target region and which is moved to scan in another direction. The reflected spectrum is measured to provide two dimensional imaging of the region.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Milen Stefanov Shishkov, Jonathan Jay Rosen
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Patent number: 9218053Abstract: A surgical assistant system includes: an operation unit configured to give an input; an arm unit on which a treatment tool is mounted; an operation imaging unit configured to acquire an operation image that is an image including the operation unit; an endoscope configured to acquire an internal-body image; a mode control unit having a plurality of operation modes and configured to enable one of the plurality of operation modes to be set as a setting operation mode; a driving unit configured to enable the arm unit to be operated based on the input given by the operation unit and the setting operation mode; a synthetic image creation unit configured to synthesize images using at least the operation image to create a synthetic image based on the setting operation mode; and a display unit configured to display the synthetic image.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Komuro, Masatoshi Iida
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Patent number: 9198559Abstract: An endoscope comprises an elongate shaft assembly, a window, a viewing angle adjustment assembly, and an indicator feature. The window is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is configured to transmit a view acquired through the window. The viewing angle adjustment assembly is operable to selectively change a viewing angle associated with the window. The indicator feature is positioned to be visible within a view acquired through the window. The indicator feature is configured to indicate the viewing angle associated with the window.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, John W. White
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Patent number: 9164270Abstract: An endoscope having a viewing direction which can be pivoted relative to the endoscope includes an illumination beam path for transmitting illumination light and a plurality of reflective surfaces for reflecting illumination light, the reflective surfaces being arranged at least partially next to one another in the illumination beam path relative to the intended light propagation direction of illumination light in the illumination beam path.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Eisenkolb, Stefan Heseler