Abstract: There is disclosed an endoscope having a guide tube for guiding a forceps or the like. The guide tube connects an inlet port of a body to an outlet port of a tip member. A tubular connection portion extends rearwardly from a rear end face of the tip member. External threads are formed on an outer periphery of the connection portion. The inner diameter of the guide tube is greater than the inner diameter of the outlet port. Internal threads are formed on the inner periphery of the front end portion of the guide tube. The external threads on the connection portion are threadedly engaged with the internal threads on the guide tube to connect the front end portion of the guide tube to the outer periphery of the connection portion.

Abstract: Method for placing a guide wire through a gastrostomy tube which has a plug through which only the guide wire can pass in slidable communication. The plug prevents air from escaping from the stomach, thus, preventing the collapse of the stomach during the guide wire placement. The plug may comprise a substantially cylindrical member having a longitudinal bore for receiving the guide wire in slidable communication.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an endoscope tube having a forward head piece and a flexible eversion tube for moving the head piece into a channel-like body cavity by means of fluid pressure. The eversion tube has an outer portion; a turning portion engaging the head piece; and a rearwardly extending inner portion. A first fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the outer portion and the inner portion of the eversion tube, which space is sealed from ambient surroundings. A second fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the endoscope tube and a rearwardly extending inner portion of the eversion tube.

Abstract: An endoscope has a flexible insert portion that is inserted into an object to be inspected. A light guide, an image guide or signal cable, an instrument channel and other lengthwise members are provided therein. At least one elastic restoring body is provided in the insert portion in order to restore the lengthwise members to their original positions when straightened back after bending or curving of the insert portion.

Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like includes a bendable frame having a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, a tip member having a rear end portion whose outer peripheral surface is cylindrical, and a connecting tube interconnecting the frame and the tip member. A slit is formed through a front end portion of the connecting tube and extends axially of the connecting tube. A rear end of the slit is disposed rearwardly of a rear end of the tip member. An operating wire is passed axially through the frame and the connecting tube, and a front end portion of the operating wire is received in a receiving recess, defined by the slit of the connecting tube and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the tip member, and is fixedly secured to the connecting tube.

Abstract: An endoscope with a compact scope end section structure in which the length of the scope end section in the scope axis direction is shortened. In the endoscope, the scope end section has an optical system for receiving optical image light beam; an imaging element for converting optical image light beams into electric signals; electric components for processing the electric signals obtained by the imaging element, which are located behind sides of the optical system and the imaging element facing away from an end of the scope section; and a flexible substrate permanently affixed to the imaging element at one of the ends and to a processed electrical signal line at its other end for electrically connecting the imaging element and the electric components.

Abstract: A side-looking reflector attachment has a helical thread on the borescope or endoscope the reflector attachment can be rotated to any angular position by drawing the housing distally to move a retaining pin in the housing out of engagement with a recess in a threaded retaining ring. The housing and the mirror can be rotated to align the mirror with the probe imager. Then, the housing is released and the retaining pin then enters a recess at a new position. This arrangement renders the side looking attachment interchangeable from one probe to another.

Abstract: A self-aligning coupler for a laser endoscope having a body and a lumen extending from the body includes a coupler housing; an input port adapted for connection to a laser beam source; and an output port adapted for connection to the endoscope body; a tilt assembly; an alignment sleeve fixed to the tilt assembly for extending through the output port and the body into the lumen; lens means mounted with the tilt assembly for projecting the laser beam down the alignment sleeve and fixing the focus of the beam generally on the axis of the alignment sleeve; means for centering the sleeve with respect to the lumen and generally aligning the lumen and sleeve axes; and gap means between the tilt assembly and the coupler housing for enabling the tilt assembly to float in the coupler housing laterally relative to the axes of the sleeve and lumen for accommodating misalignment between the body and lumen while maintaining alignment of the lens means, sleeve and lumen.

Abstract: A luminescent writing or display device and method of manufacturing the same which includes a transparent vinyl sheet containing a fluorescent or neon dye and an opaque sheet made from coated paperboard stock. An acrylic resin varnish is provided on a portion of the paperboard stock for forming a contact surface with the vinyl on which an image may be created by applying pressure thereto. The image is readily erased by separating the sheets. Another portion of the paperboard stock receives printing inks for providing a permanent ink display on a header portion of the device. The device may be manufactured in a continuous process at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A pharyngo-laryngeal compound speculum includes a mouth speculum having a pole strap and two bars which may be inserted into the mouth of an animal and moved to open the mouth of the animal. One of the bars is rotatable and a guide ring is mounted on the rotatable bar. A cylindrical, tubular speculum may be inserted through the guide ring for visualization of the larynx and to gain access to passages for instruments through the tubular speculum into the larynx and the lower reaches of the trachea and bronchi to gain specimens and administer treatments. Also, the same instruments result in the visualization and the access to the opening of the esophagus of animals allows passage of instruments into the esophagus.

Abstract: A closed-wall barrier fits on top of a baby walker of conventional construction. It blocks a baby's reach, in order to prevent the baby from grasping dangerous objects. The barrier completely encircles the front, back and sides of the tray of the walker. The barrier may also have a top, which top may or may not be removeable. The barrier may completely cover and enclose the top of the walker. However, preferably it will have an opening or openings which the parent can use to insert the infant into the seat of the walker, and to hand objects to the infant, but which openings are too high for the infant to use to reach out.

Abstract: There is provided a video monitoring, recording and transmission elements for use in combination with a hand-held medical opto-diagnostic office-use instrument such as an otoscope and an ophthalmoscope. The adaptor, beam splitter and video camera head portions of the system are proportioned in physical size to about the same size as an existing hand-held, office-use, examination instrument of the physician. The components of the system may be selectably coupled and de-coupled with an otherwise conventional otoscope or ophthalmoscope.

Abstract: A uterine retractor having an elongated insertion rod having at a rear end a ratchet handle which may be rotated. The front end of the insertion rod mounts a retractor finger for rotation substantially perpendicular to the insertion rod in response to rotation of the ratchet handle. The retractor finger which may be inserted within the uterus, upon the insertion of the insertion rod within the vaginal tract of the patient, with the ratchet handle remaining outside of the patient. Movement of the retractor finger, due to movement of the ratchet handle, may thus impart movement to the uterus about two axes, allowing placement of the uterus for medical procedures. The insertion rod may mount a transilluminator in the form of a light source adjacent the front end of the insertion rod. The illumination is visible from the exterior of the vaginal tract, allowing easy location of the cervix, vaginal cuff, and veins and arteries within the vaginal tract.

Abstract: Improved thermal contrast detailing for inflatable decoy targets is provided by providing the decoy with gas permeable skin panels for surface areas which would be at a higher temperature relative to other surface areas on the actual target represented by the decoy. Heated, pressurized air is provided to the decoy and escapes through the gas permeable panels making those panels hotter than adjoining gas impermeable panels. The target decoy may also be rigid. Thermal contrast may also be achieved by using chilled, pressurized air. The invention may also be used for providing any thermal radiance area-source.

Abstract: The sheath for endoscope includes a tubular sleeve portion and a lens cover portion at one end of the tubular sleeve portion. The lens cover portion is of a predetermined thickness that minimizes light reflection onto the field of view of the endoscope. The sheath thus provides optimum visual acuity when used with the endoscope. The lens cover portion can include an anti-fogging ingredient to minimize condensation or congregation of fluids during examination. In several embodiments of the invention the sheath is rigid and in other embodiments of the invention the sheath is flexible. In any of the embodiments the lens cover portion can be joined to the inside, outside or end of the tubular sleeve. The lens cover portion can be formed with a cap section that is oriented at a selected predetermined angle with respect to a central axis. The sheath can have one or more reduced diameter sections to prevent relative slippage between the sleeve and the barrel of the endoscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic retractor suitable for use in laporoscopic surgery to retract, separate, and expose different tissues, organs and viscera, in manner similar to conventional open surgery retractors.

Abstract: A device utilizable with an endoscope to promote sterility comprises a substantially thin-walled elongate tubular sheath made of a flexible material such as rubber, the sheath having a use configuration with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of an insertion member of the endoscope, whereby the sheath may be removably disposed about such insertion member to substantially surround same prior to insertion of the insertion member into a patient. The device further comprises a transparent cap member and an element or elements for attaching the cap member in a fluid tight seal to a distal end of the sheath so that the cap member covers a distal end of the insertion member of the endoscope. Biopsy channels, some of which are expandable from collapsed configurations to receive endoscopic surgical instruments during an operation, are provided on or in the sheath.

Abstract: A moving message learning system comprises a panel capable of displaying a moving message, a programmable controller for controlling the display of a message on the panel in a moving manner, and for displaying at least two different versions of a subject to be learned. The method of learning a subject comprises the steps of selecting an apparatus having a moving message display for displaying a moving message, establishing a graphic display of at least two versions of a subject to be learned on the moving message display means, and moving the versions along the display at a selected velocity while observing same.

Abstract: A device for creating a colored design including transparent light-transmitting receiving wells for receiving and holding colorants, the wells being disposed in a grid-like plate adapted to hold the wells. The device also including a colorant material transfer device for transferring colorant material to the receiving wells. The colorant materials may be liquid or solid materials.

Abstract: The present invention is an instructional child's story and picture book including a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages pivotally disposed between the front and back covers. At least one of the pages includes text on one or more sides and a puzzle on the other side. The puzzle includes a plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces to provide a hand and eye coordination and recognition manipulative for children.