Abstract: A lens system for a camera includes, in order from an object side, a distal lens having a convex surface and a concave surface, the convex surface being proximate the object side, a doublet lens in optical communication with the distal lens, and a bi-convex proximal lens in optical communication with the doublet lens. The doublet lens has a concave surface and a convex surface, with the convex surface of the doublet lens being proximate the convex surface of the distal lens.

Abstract: A system for obtaining, recording, displaying, storing, transmitting and receiving maintenance and other information is provided. The system, which may include an electronic maintenance apparatus that may be in the form of a hand-held digital computer, allows a user to capture and store images, sound, and/or error codes and related text or voice data and other information concerning the system or object being maintained. The information can be stored locally and/or transmitted to remote locations. Retrieval of the images and other data at a later date provides an historical perspective of the object, enabling one using the maintenance apparatus to compare and contrast the condition of the object over time. Instruction on how to accomplish a job at hand, diagnostic information and/or support information may also be transmitted to and from the maintenance apparatus.

Abstract: A camera that includes a camera head, an amplifier, and a camera control unit. The camera head includes a charge coupled device and at least one lens that is optically coupled to the charge coupled device to focus light energy onto the charge coupled device. The charge coupled device provides a plurality of signals indicative of the light energy incident upon a plurality of regions of the charge coupled device. The amplifier is electrically coupled to the charge coupled device to receive the plurality of signals from the charge coupled device and provide a plurality of amplified signals to the camera control unit, but, the amplifier is physically separated from the charge coupled device so that the amplifier is outside the camera head. The camera control unit is electrically coupled to the amplifier to receive the plurality of amplified signals from the amplifier and to process the plurality of amplified signals to form an image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.

Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A cannula is divided longitudinally into a camera chamber and an instrument passage. The distal end of the camera is sealed by an optically clear member. In use, a camera assembly which includes a camera sled on which are mounted a charge-coupled device camera and lights is inserted into the camera chamber and a conventional laparoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient through the instrument passage. The camera sled is isolated from the patient by the cannula, eliminating the need to sterilize the camera sled. The instrument is held in position by an attachment member which extends from the cannula. This allows the surgeon to control the position of the instrument and the camera with one hand. The cannula includes a port for connecting a source of CO2 to inflate the patient's abdominal cavity and a port for connecting a conventional suction/irrigation trumpet-valve assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an imaging unit to be mated with an image-producing scope via a coupler includes at least one imaging unit body, and an image sensor disposed within the at least one imaging unit body. The imaging unit further includes a refractive lens movably disposed within the at least one imaging unit body, and at least one first component adapted to receive an output from a focusing mechanism disposed on a body of the coupler. The at least one first component is configured and arranged so that movement of the focusing mechanism with respect to the coupler body causes the lens to move within the at least one imaging unit body to focus an image produced by the scope onto the image sensor. In another embodiment, a method for operating an imaging system including an image-producing scope, a refractive lens, and an image sensor involves providing a coupler that is free of the refractive lens.

Abstract: A surgical positioning device that includes a body having a first un-stressed configuration and at least one fluid channel to receive a fluid. The at least one fluid channel is constructed and arranged to transform the body of the surgical positioning device from the first un-stressed configuration to a second configuration when fluid is forced into the at least one fluid channel. The surgical positioning device can include one or more working channels that permit surgical devices to be remotely positioned by the surgical positioning device by adjusting an amount of fluid forced into the at least one fluid channel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for mating a first instrument having an image sensor to a second instrument includes: a coupler having first and second ends respectively adapted to mate with the first and second instruments; a sheath, mounted to the coupler, that is extendable to accommodate at least one portion of the first instrument when the first instrument is mated with the first end of the coupler; and a focusing mechanism to focus light onto the image sensor, the focusing mechanism being uncovered by the sheath when the first end of the coupling device is mated with the first instrument and the sheath is extended to accommodate the at least one portion of the first instrument. According to another embodiment, an apparatus for mating with an imaging-producing scope includes: an imaging unit including an image sensor and a lens; and a coupler having first and second ends, the first end being adapted to mate with the imaging unit and the second end being adapted to mate with the scope.

Abstract: A cannula is divided longitudinally into a camera chamber and an instrument passage. The distal end of the camera is sealed by an optically clear member. In use, a camera assembly which includes a camera sled on which are mounted a charge-coupled device camera and lights is inserted into the camera chamber and a conventional laparoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient through the instrument passage. The camera sled is isolated from the patient by the cannula, eliminating the need to sterilize the camera sled. The instrument is held in position by an attachment member which extends from the cannula. This allows the surgeon to control the position of the instrument and the camera with one hand. The cannula includes a port for connecting a source of CO.sub.2 to inflate the patient's abdominal cavity and a port for connecting a conventional suction/irrigation trumpet-valve assembly.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.