Abstract: An improved lens mounting systems for use in lens relay systems in disclosed. The lens mounting system includes at least one lens and a tubular lens mount. The tubular lens mount is portion of a cylinder with a cross section slightly larger than a semicircle. The edges of the tubular lens mount may be beveled. The inner diameter of the tubular lens mount may be equal to, or slightly smaller than, the outer diameter of the lens. In addition, the tubular lens mount may be in three point contact with the mounted lens.

Abstract: A variable view arthroscope includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a CCD in the input end of the housing for capturing and relaying an image object. In some embodiments, a variable view arthroscope with a plurality of viewing positions in a viewing range between a first end viewing position and a second end viewing position includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a mirror in the housing for obtaining an image object, and a prism, a focusing lens, and a CCD in the housing for capturing and relaying the image object. The input lens and mirror are movable around an axis for varying the view of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the tubular housing has a longitudinal axis and an input end and the input lens and CCD are mounted in an input lens holder in the input end of the housing. The input lens and the CCD are movable for varying the view of the arthroscope.

Abstract: A variable view arthroscope includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a CCD in the input end of the housing for capturing and relaying an image object. In some embodiments, a variable view arthroscope with a plurality of viewing positions in a viewing range between a first end viewing position and a second end viewing position includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a mirror in the housing for obtaining an image object, and a prism, a focusing lens, and a CCD in the housing for capturing and relaying the image object. The input lens and mirror are movable around an axis for varying the view of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the tubular housing has a longitudinal axis and an input end and the input lens and CCD are mounted in an input lens holder in the input end of the housing. The input lens and the CCD are movable for varying the view of the arthroscope.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an input end. The housing tube contains an input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. A control varies the position of the input assembly to change the viewing position of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the control uses external master magnets that rotate around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing to drive internal slave magnets magnetically. This permits the housing to be sealed completely. In certain embodiments, a cam-axle assembly translates the rotational motion of the internal slave magnets to linear motion that drives a push rod that manipulates the input assembly.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an input end. The housing tube contains an input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. A control varies the position of the input assembly to change the viewing position of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the control uses external master magnets that rotate around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing to drive internal slave magnets magnetically. This permits the housing to be sealed completely. In certain embodiments, a cam-axle assembly translates the rotational motion of the internal slave magnets to linear motion that drives a push rod that manipulates the input assembly.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an object input end. The housing tube contains an object input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. The object input assembly includes an input lens and a first mirror. In some embodiments, the object input assembly includes a second mirror, and in alternative embodiments, the object input assembly includes a prism. The object input assembly passes images received from a viewing area to an object relay assembly that transmits the image object to the control end of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the light relay assembly is formed of two mirrored rods. A control varies the position of the object input assembly to change the a viewing position of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the control includes a push rod driven by a slide and cam/axle assembly.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens or window. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube. A first mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a second mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope. A control varies the position of one or both of the mirrors between first and second limits.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens; the input lens preferably is a diverging lens. In the form shown FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surfaces. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube; the illumination may be projected outwardly through the input lens. A movable mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a fixed mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope.