Abstract: Apparatus for optically inspecting an object having a reflecting surface includes an irradiating device for emitting illuminating light; a shield member for reflecting the illuminating light to irradiate the object, and a light-receiving device for receiving an image of the object irradiated through the reflection of the illuminating light by the shield member. The shield member covers an extent of a field of vision of the light-receiving device through the reflection of the reflecting surface.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope apparatus, image signals from a solid state image pickup device are converted into television picture signals, and pictures are displayed on a monitor television on the basis of the television picture signals. At least one chopper is arranged between a light source and an end of an optical system for transmitting an illuminating light from the light source to an illuminating window of an endoscope. The chopper is rotated by a motor to bring the illuminating light into the form of pulses. Rotation of the chopper is controlled in such a manner that a center of supply time duration of each illuminating light pulse is brought into coincidence with a point of time at which the image signals to be offered to either one of odd and even field scannings are transferred from a light receiving portion to a memory portion of the image pickup device.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, an illuminating light is supplied from a light source unit to an end of an optical transmission system of an endoscope, and the optical transmission system has the other end allowing the illuminating light to be irradiated from an illuminating window located at a predetermined position of an inserting portion of the endoscope. The illuminating light has a luminous flux which is imaginarily divided into at least two regions including central and peripheral regions. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting a light quantity supplied to the one end of the optical transmission system through the central region of the luminous flux and a light quantity supplied to the one end of the optical transmission system through the peripheral region of the luminous flux, independently of each other.

Abstract: A guide tube assembly for an industrial endoscope comprises a multiplicity of tube segments arranged to form therein a long guide bore. A hand actuator is connected to a proximal one of the tube segments. At least one pair of elongated members have their respective one ends fixedly secured to a distal one of the tube segments, and extend through communication bores formed in the remaining tube segments to the hand actuator. A resilient member is mounted on the hand actuator for resiliently pulling the elongated members to bias the tube segments so as to bring them into contact with each other.

Abstract: A guide tube for guiding the movement of an endoscope into a passageway includes a tubular body having a front end slanted with respect to an axis thereof. At least that portion of the tubular body adjacent to said front end is axially compressible resiliently and resiliently bendable.

Abstract: A waterproof endoscope includes a insertion tube adapted to be inserted into a hollow organ. A hollow housing is connected to the insertion tube in an air-tight manner and disposed in communication therewith, the housing having an aperture formed therethrough. Mounted on the housing is a valve which includes a valve element for normally closing the aperture in the housing, and a spring made of a marmen alloy which is returned to a preselected shape at a predetermined temperature so as to urge the valve element away from the aperture, thereby opening the valve.