Patents Examined by Aaron B Fairchild
  • Colonoscope
    Patent number: 10925468
    Abstract: A colonoscope including an egg-shaped image-capturing module and a wiring unit is disclosed. The image-capturing module includes a casing, a first image detector, a vibration motor and a control unit. The casing has first and second ends. The first end is made of a transparent material. The first image detector captures a first image. The vibration motor is configured to vibrate the casing. The control unit controls the first image detector to capture the first image. The control unit controls the vibration of the vibration motor. The wiring unit includes a vent and includes a plurality of lead wires and an air tube. Power can be transmitted to the control unit through the plurality of lead wires. The air tube is configured to convey air, and the vent is configured to output the air to a colon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Chin-Shun Tseng
  • Endoscope
    Patent number: 10918266
    Abstract: An operation lever type (joystick type) endoscope including an operation lever capable of adjusting a bending angle of a bending portion in response to a tilting operation of an operation portion, and an exterior cover an outer periphery portion of which is watertightly fixed to an operation portion body (an operation portion), and an inner periphery portion of which watertightly covers an outer circumference of the operation lever, the exterior cover being capable of deforming by pressure fluctuation inside the operation portion (that is, pressure fluctuation of a sealed space formed inside the endoscope), is provided with a restricting member 90 configured to restrict expansion of the exterior cover by the fluctuation of the internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Hatano, Shigeyasu Kishioka
  • Illumination light guiding device and endoscope device
    Patent number: 10912452
    Abstract: An illumination light guiding device includes a phosphor layer that is disposed on another surface opposite to one surface of a board, and converts the wavelengths of a plurality of light beams transmitted through the board and incident on one surface of the phosphor layer, and an emission-side fiber including a plurality of optical fibers that are provided so as to be erected side by side on another surface opposite to one surface of the phosphor layer, each optical fiber guiding a different one of the plurality of light beams having wavelengths converted by the phosphor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Yamana, Noboru Iizawa, Shintaro Hayashi
  • Endoscope and method for centring an eyepiece in a main unit of an endoscope
    Patent number: 10905316
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a main unit, which includes a centring bush with an inner surface which defines an axis of rotation; a first eccentric bush, which is mounted rotatable about the axis of rotation in the centring bush and comprises a first centring inner surface which defines a first rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis is offset parallel to the axis of rotation by a first offset; a second eccentric bush which is mounted rotatable about the first rotation axis in the first eccentric bush and comprises a second centring inner surface which defines a second rotation axis, wherein the second rotation axis is offset parallel to the first rotation axis by a second offset; and an eyepiece, which is connected to the second eccentric bush and has an optical axis which is parallel to the second rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Waizenegger, Daniel Seeh
  • Manifold for a multiple viewing elements endoscope
    Patent number: 10905315
    Abstract: There is provided herein an integrated manifold for the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope which combines the functionalities of the front holder, side holder/cage and fluid channeling components into a single part. The manifold includes square slots that are equipped with tracks. Square shaped lens assemblies having protrusions are used in the endoscope tip, such that the protrusions allow the optical assemblies to slide into the tracks of the square slots. This ensures gapless placement of viewing elements with no deviation in their position and field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeruham Avron, Robby Dascalo
  • Fluid collection vessel for use with an endoscope
    Patent number: 10888215
    Abstract: A fluid collection vessel includes a catch portion that is configured to attach to an endoscope adjacent the port. The catch portion directs any leaked fluids the come out of the port into a neck portion that leads to a collection chamber. The catch portion includes an indented portion that is shaped and sized in correspondence with the neck and body of the endoscope so as to locate the port over the approximate center of the opening of the catch portion. The neck portion is an elongated component having a relatively narrow cross section that tends to inhibit spillage in the event of the collection vessel falling or being laid on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Theodore Pano Doukides
  • Surgical system having a guide catheter including a fluid passageway
    Patent number: 10856729
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a bronchoscope, an extended working channel defining an elongated passageway and adapted to extend through the bronchoscope, and a valve in fluid communication with the passageway of the extended working channel. The surgical system further includes an elongated surgical instrument configured and dimensioned to be inserted through the extended working channel. During operation, a fluid is able to flow from the valve and through the extended working channel such that the fluid travels within an annular area surrounding the elongated surgical instrument positioned within the extended working channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: William S. Krimsky, William J. Dickhans, Joshua B. Stopek
  • Endoscope accessory with angularly adjustable exit portal
    Patent number: 10856724
    Abstract: A medical device comprising an endoscope accessory for attachment to the working end of an endoscope. The coupler device provides a flexible working channel extension from the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Miller
  • Suction catheter with brush and method of use for lens cleaning
    Patent number: 10842368
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the lens of a visualization device integrated into a ventilation tube positioned inside a patient, wherein the tube comprises a ventilation lumen and the lens is positioned proximal to the distal end of the ventilation lumen, the method comprising providing a suction catheter comprising a brush at its distal end; positioning the catheter inside the ventilation lumen such that the brush protrudes from the distal end of the ventilation lumen; and manipulating the catheter at its proximal end to cause the brush to make contact with the lens in order to clean the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventor: Omri Nave
  • Medical tube and medical system
    Patent number: 10813540
    Abstract: Provided is a medical tube including: a main body; a first lumen formed in the main body in a longitudinal direction of the main body; a plurality of second lumens formed in the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, the plurality of second lumens formed about at least a portion of a circumference of the first lumen; a portion of a distal end of the first lumen comprising a first indicator, the first indicator configured to specify a rotational direction position about the longitudinal direction of the main body of any one of the plurality of second lumens with respect to the first lumen; and a portion of the proximal end of the main body comprising a plurality of second indicators, wherein each of the plurality of second indicators are configured to indicate each of the plurality of second lumens specified by the first indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya Higuchi
  • Systems and methods for treating the prostate
    Patent number: 10806502
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system includes a vapor delivery needle configured to deliver condensable vapor energy to tissue. In one method, the vapor delivery system is advanced transurethrally into the patient to access the prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system is properly positioned by measuring and advancing the system based on a field-of-view of an endoscope or camera disposed within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, Roger Noel Hastings
  • Endoscope having image acquisition windows and corresponding cleaning nozzles on front and circumferential surfaces
    Patent number: 10799103
    Abstract: An endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion; a distal end portion; a pair of first observation image acquiring sections; a second observation image acquiring section; a pair of nozzles, each of which includes a spouting port for spouting fluid toward each of the pair of first observation image acquiring sections; a pair of first protruding portions, each of which is located close to the front surface of the distal end portion and has a maximum dimension in the radial direction larger than a dimension in the radial direction of each of the nozzles, and a pair of second protruding portions, each of which is located farther from the front surface of the distal end portion and has a maximum dimension in the radial direction larger than the dimension in the radial direction of each of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromasa Okano, Jin Ito, Takanori Watanabe, Kento Hashimoto, Takeo Suzuki
  • Multi-viewing element endoscope
    Patent number: 10799095
    Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Levy, Yaniv Kirma, Moshe Levi
  • Medical manipulator
    Patent number: 10792116
    Abstract: A medical manipulator including an insertion portion, where the insertion section including a bending portion and an end effector disposed on a distal end side of the insertion portion. The medical manipulator further including a motor configured to generate a first drive force for moving the bending portion; a lever configured to generate a second drive force for moving the bending portion, the lever being used to move the bending portion instead of the motor; a wire configured to transmit the first drive force or the second drive force to the bending portion; and a transmission blocking device configured to switch from the first drive force to the second drive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masafumi Haraguchi, Shintaro Inoue
  • Devices and methods for delivery of medical tools
    Patent number: 10791911
    Abstract: An endoscopic cap assembly may include a sleeve and a cap. The cap may include a cap channel extending along an external surface of the cap. The cap may also include an engagement feature extending radially outwardly from the external surface of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Wales, Paul Smith, Scott Brechbiel
  • Tube thoracostomy using an optical trocar
    Patent number: 10786148
    Abstract: Systems and methods that can improve the safety and efficacy of chest tube thoracostomy are described. For example, this document provides systems and methods that facilitate direct visual confirmation of the proper placement of a chest tube within the thoracic space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Johnathon M. Aho, Henry J. Schiller, Raaj K. Ruparel, Beth A. Ballinger
  • System and method for using a capsule device
    Patent number: 10779709
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system to control a movement of a magnetic capsule using an external magnet control system. The external magnet control system includes more than one external magnetic balls, and at least one external magnetic ball can be moved freely in five degrees of the freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ankon Medical Technologies (Shanghai) Co., LTD
    Inventors: Xiaodong Duan, Shaobang Zhang
  • Method and apparatus for advancing a probe
    Patent number: 10772487
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising an elongate flexible tube sized to be received within a tract and having a proximal end and a distal end; a drive mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the tube; and a liquid column extending from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the drive mechanism is configured to cause movement of the liquid column within the tube to impart forward momentum to the tube and thereby promote advancement of at least the distal end of the tube within the tract when at least the distal end is received within a part of the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Endogene Limited
    Inventor: Mikhail Soutorine
  • Surgical apparatus for endoscope and exterior tube
    Patent number: 10765301
    Abstract: Provided are a surgical apparatus for an endoscope and an exterior tube that can supply a pneumoperitoneum gas into a body cavity without causing degradation of operability. An exterior tube is sheathed to an outer tube insertion part of an outer tube that is inserted into a body cavity through a body wall and guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into the body cavity, and an outer peripheral surface of the exterior tube is provided with a locking part that restricts the forward and backward movement of the exterior tube with respect to the body wall and the rotation of the exterior tube around an axis. A gap between an inner peripheral surface of the exterior tube and an outer peripheral surface of the outer tube insertion part is used as an air supply passage for supplying the pneumoperitoneum gas within the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Dejima
  • Medical support arm device and method of controlling medical support arm device
    Patent number: 10765485
    Abstract: There is provided a medical support arm device including a multi-joint arm having a distal end configured to host a medical device, said multi-joint arm configured to have a higher degree of freedom than a degree of freedom necessary for controlling a spatial position and pointing direction of the medical device. The multi-joint arm is configured to controllably displace at least one of a plurality of joints of the multi-joint arm while the spatial position and the pointing direction of the medical device are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Matsuda, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Yasuhisa Kamikawa, Atsushi Miyamoto, Wataru Kokubo