Abstract: A source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit and a probe connection detecting circuit are provided to the source coil driving circuit unit of an endoscope shape detecting apparatus. The source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the source coils. The probe connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a probe. A marker coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the marker coils. A marker connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a marker. Accordingly, using the apparatus without being connected to a probe or markers can be avoided by detecting the connection of the probe and markers by the probe connection detecting circuit and marker connection detecting circuit, respectively, when the system is energized, thereby avoiding detecting noise and consequently displaying a random image on the monitor.

Abstract: Magnetic-field generating elements or magnetic-field detecting elements are fixed into an insertion part having elasticity, which is inserted into a subject, by an insulating material while ensuring that forms of the respective magnetic-field generating elements or the respective magnetic-field detecting elements are not changed. Even when the insertion part is bent, there is no change in either the function of magnetic-field generation or the function of magnetic-field detection. Magnetic-field detecting elements or magnetic-field generating elements which are arranged at known positions around the subject are combined with each other to calculate three-dimensional positions of the magnetic-field generating elements or the magnetic-field detecting elements within the insertion part. Further, a form of the insertion part is estimated, and a three-dimensional image corresponding to a form of the insertion part is produced.

Abstract: Insertion of a probe comprising an array of 16 source coils through a forceps channel of an electronic endoscope prepares the source coils in the insert of electronic endoscope for use in monitoring work objects. To a bed where a patient lies, are mounted two sets of sensor coils crossing at a right angle to each other, each of which comprises at least four single core coils with a common central axis placed on the same line in the same direction. A control section of the system gives signals with radiofrequencies (driving signals) through source cables to the source coils, to excite the source coils to generate magnetic fields around them.

Abstract: In order to make the visibility of a right optical system to be the same as that of a left optical system even when there is a vibration and to simplify a drive mechanism, a pair of right and left correction lenses are respectively disposed between a pair of right and left objective lenses and a pair of right and left eye pieces. The pair of right and left objective lenses are integrally supported by a correction lens support frame. When there is a vibration, the correction lens support frame is moved, together with the pair of right and left correction lenses, by a correction lens moving mechanism in X and/or Y directions which cross each other at right angles in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of each of the optical systems.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including an endoscope, a supply portion for supplying a required signal or energy to a peripheral unit relating to the endoscope; and a control portion for controlling the supply portion, wherein the control portion is constituted to have at least one field programmable gate array and a function required by at least either of the endoscope or the peripheral unit relating to the endoscope is realized by receiving circuit information for constituting a control circuit for controlling the supply portion to selectively write the circuit information on the field programmable gate array so that the control circuit is constituted.

Abstract: Magnetic-field generating elements or magnetic-field detecting elements are fixed into an insertion part having elasticity, which is inserted into a subject, by an insulating material such that forms of the respective magnetic-field generating elements or the respective magnetic-field detecting elements are not changed. Magnetic-field generation or magnetic-field detection is not changed even when an insertion part is bent. Magnetic-field detecting elements or magnetic-field generating elements which are arranged at known positions around the subject are combined with each other to calculate three-dimensional positions of the magnetic-field generating elements or the magnetic-field detecting elements within the insertion part. Further, a form of the insertion part is estimated, and a three-dimensional image corresponding to a form of the insertion part is produced.

Abstract: An observing apparatus by which a plurality of observers are able to easily find out the same target object includes first and second telescopes. The first telescope has an arithmetic control unit for generating positional data for indicating a position of the first telescope with respect to the observation target object when the observation target object is observed through the first telescope and a transmitter for transmitting the generated positional data to the second telescope. The second telescope has a receiver for receiving the positional data transmitted by the first telescope and a direction indicator for indicating an observation direction of the second telescope in which the observation target object should be observed through the second telescope on the basis of the positional data received by the receiver.

Abstract: Inference management to estimate conflicting strategies for automatic presentation of a reliable strategy.

Abstract: A therapeutical apparatus includes a measuring apparatus including a probe which generates an X-ray or ultrasonic wave in order to detect the location of a target to be treated such as calculi situated within the kidney, liver, biliary ducts. A therapeutical energy generator generates a shock wave of sufficient energy for purpose of therapy externally of the physical body and focusses it upon the target. Structure is provided for causing a displacement of the generator and the measuring apparatus around the surface of a patient. Structure is provided to activate the generator.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with a negative lens, a variable focussing lens unit including a material with an electrooptic effect, a light blocking unit, including the material with the electrooptic effect, capable of changing an aperture diameter, and a switch, interlocked with each other, capable of supplying electric power to the variable focussing lens unit and the light blocking unit which are arranged in order on an optical axis from an object side to an image side. When the switch is turned off, the variable focussing lens unit is set to bring an object at a far point into focus and the light blocking unit is set so that an aperture is determined by an aperture stop, while on the other hand, when the swtich is turned on, the variable focussing lens unit is set so that an object at a near point is in focus and the light blocking unit is set to be smaller in aperture.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with a negative lens, a variable focal length lens unit including a material with an electrooptic effect, a light blocking unit, including the material with the electrooptic effect, capable of changing an aperture diameter, and a switch, interlocked with each other, capable of supplying electric power to the variable focal length lens unit and the light blocking unit which are arranged in order on an optical axis from an object side to an image side. When the switch is turned off, the variable focal length lens unit is set to bring an object at a far point into focus and the light blocking unit is set so that an aperture is determined by an aperture stop, while on the other hand, when the switch is turned on, the variable focal length lens unit is set so that an object at a near point is in focus and the light blocking unit is set to be smaller in aperture.

Abstract: A therapeutical apparatus includes a measuring apparatus including a probe which generates an X-ray or ultrasonic wave in order to detect the location of a target to be treated such as calculi situated within the kidney, liver, biliary ducts. A therapeutical energy generator generates a shock wave of sufficient energy for purposes of therapy externally of the physical body and focuses it upon the target. Structure is provided for causing a displacement of the generator and the measuring apparatus around the surface of a patient. Structure is provided to activate the generator.

Abstract: A therapeutical apparatus includes a measuring apparatus including a probe which generates an X-ray or ultrasonic wave in order to detect the location of a target to be treated such as calculi situated within the kidney, liver, biliary ducts. A therapeutical energy generator generates a shock wave of sufficient energy for purpose of therapy externally of the physical body and focusses it upon the target. Structure is provided for causing a displacement of the generator and the measuring apparatus around the surface of a patient. Structure is provided to activate the generator.

Abstract: First and second ultrasonic transducers are provided at the distal end portion of a flexible insertion portion (to serve as a probe) of an endoscope. During diagnosis, the distal end portion of insertion portion is fixed in a tubular organ by a balloon which is filled with water. Ultrasonic lenses having different focal distances are mounted on the transducers. The resonance frequencies of the transducers differ from each other. The transducers are rotated about a shaft of the insertion portion by a motor, in order to mechanically radial-scan an object to be examined. A relay box for supplying a drive signal to the transducers is connected to the endoscope, and a diagnositc device with a display is connected to the relay box. The relay box includes first and second transmitting circuits, and output drive pulses therefrom are supplied to the transducers.

Abstract: A device to stop bleeding of a part by supplying a heating current to and heating a heating element which is contained in the end part of a probe and whose voltage drop at its ends shows temperature dependency and by applying the end part to the bleeding part. The device includes a resistance installed in series with the heating element, compares the voltage of the resistance with a reference voltage, and controls the heating current value using the comparison output which depends on the temperature increase of the heating element, thus keeping the heating temperature at a temperature suitable for stanching.

Abstract: This unit is for stopping hemorrhage by supplying a current for heating to a semi-conductive thermal element of small heat capacity to insure good heat response which is incorporated in the distal extremity of a slender probe, and possesses a means to recognize whether, or not, voltage fall between the both ends of the thermal element is within the permissible range in order to make it possible to detect qualitative deterioration of thermal element.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for multi-laminating different kinds of prepreg material sheets including roll stocker means provided with a plurality of rolls of different kinds of prepreg material tape on a common axis, lay-up table means movable with respect to said rolls in parallel with the common axis, cutting means for cutting said prepreg material tape into sheets disposed between said roll stocker means and said lay-up table means, pulling out means provided on said lay-up table means to be movable in the longitudinal direction thereof for pulling said prepreg material tape out from said rolls, and compaction head means provided on said lay-up table means for compacting said prepreg material sheet to be movable along the longitudinal direction of said lay-up table means. According to the present invention, it is possible to continuously laminate different kinds of prepreg material sheets in desired order and an automatic laminating operation can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope, an endoscope camera and a light source device. The light source device has an error detection unit for detecting an error of communication data and an error recovery unit for performing an error recovery operation in correspondence with an error content detected by the error detection unit.

Abstract: An improved fuse assembly having a unique structure comprising a rigid tubular member having preformed solder-receiving recesses on its outer surface at each end of the tubular member. A fusible element is stretched between the ends of the tubular member and a preformed notch on the rim at each end of the tubular member serves to pick up each end of the fusible element and bent thereover for embedding it into the preformed outer recesses of the tubular member.

Abstract: A novel fuse arrangement for electrical and electronic circuits is provided having shorter arcing time and arc-extinguishing time as compared to the prior art fuses. The fuse arrangement described herein comprises a pair of electrodes having contact terminals for connection to the circuit and a support member preferably disposed triangularly relative to the electrodes. In one embodiment, a fusible wire elment is stretched between the electrodes and has its mid portion supported by the support member. The support member is made from a material of large heat capacity and high thermal conductivity to provide a heat dissipating surface for the heat generated in the fusible wire element.