Abstract: A medical imaging system includes multiple illuminating endoscopes with cameras having image sensors exposure control and a frame memory. The exposure control of each camera activates the frame memory and light source for collection of selected frame images by the frame memory. A data link among the endoscopes synchronizes exclusive initiation of the exposure controls in recurring serial order for activation of each respective frame memory and light source.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes multiple illuminating endoscopes with cameras having image sensors exposure control and a frame memory. The exposure control of each camera activates the frame memory and light source for collection of selected frame images by the frame memory. A data link among the endoscopes synchronizes exclusive initiation of the exposure controls in recurring serial order for activation of each respective frame memory and light source.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system has an endoscope having a field stop encoded with endoscope information; a camera head coupleable to the endoscope, the camera head generating image data including the endoscope information; and a camera control unit coupleable to the camera head to receive image data from the camera head; and wherein the camera control unit is configured to analyze the endoscope information to identify the endoscope coupled to the camera head.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes multiple illuminating endoscopes with cameras having image sensors exposure control and a frame memory. The exposure control of each camera activates the frame memory and light source for collection of selected frame images by the frame memory. A data link among the endoscopes synchronizes exclusive initiation of the exposure controls in recurring serial order for activation of each respective frame memory and light source.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes multiple illuminating endoscopes with cameras having image sensors exposure control and a frame memory. The exposure control of each camera activates the frame memory and light source for collection of selected frame images by the frame memory. A data link among the endoscopes synchronizes exclusive initiation of the exposure controls in recurring serial order for activation of each respective frame memory and light source.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes multiple illuminating endoscopes with cameras having image sensors exposure control and a frame memory. The exposure control of each camera activates the frame memory and light source for collection of selected frame images by the frame memory. A data link among the endoscopes synchronizes exclusive initiation of the exposure controls in recurring serial order for activation of each respective frame memory and light source.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system has an endoscope having a field stop encoded with endoscope information; a camera head coupleable to the endoscope, the camera head generating image data including the endoscope information; and a camera control unit coupleable to the camera head to receive image data from the camera head; and wherein the camera control unit is configured to analyze the endoscope information to identify the endoscope coupled to the camera head.

Abstract: A method for color correction in a camera system having a camera, a light source and a controller, the method comprising: setting a first light source drive current level; performing a first white balance operation and obtaining at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the first light source drive current level; setting a second light source drive current level different than the first light source drive current level; performing a second white balance operation and obtaining at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the second light source drive current level; and determining a relationship between light source current levels and at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values using the obtained at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the first and second light source drive current levels.

Abstract: A camera system having a camera head with an imaging device and a first connector; a camera control unit with a processor and a second connector configured to removably engage the first connector; and wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to allow for contactless transfer of data from the camera head to the camera control unit and contactless transfer of power from the camera control unit to the camera head.

Abstract: A method for color correction in a camera system having a camera, a light source and a controller, the method comprising: setting a first light source drive current level; performing a first white balance operation and obtaining at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the first light source drive current level; setting a second light source drive current level different than the first light source drive current level; performing a second white balance operation and obtaining at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the second light source drive current level; and determining a relationship between light source current levels and at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values using the obtained at least one of red gain, blue gain and green gain values corresponding to the first and second light source drive current levels.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgery sheath system having: a body for insertion of an instrument; an insertion portion coupled to the body; a valve coupled to the insertion portion; a tube coupled to the valve; and a microelectromechanical sensor positioned inside the valve or the tube for measurement of at least one characteristic of a fluid inside of the tube; wherein the sensor is configured to transmit measurement information.

Abstract: A camera system having a camera head with an imaging device and a first connector; a camera control unit with a processor and a second connector configured to removably engage the first connector; and wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to allow for contactless transfer of data from the camera head to the camera control unit and contactless transfer of power from the camera control unit to the camera head.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system having an imaging device for taking images during an exposure period at a predetermined number of frames per second; an illumination system for providing light for the imaging device; and an illumination controller that supplies a drive current to the illumination system, the illumination controller altering the drive current to the illumination system so light is only provided for a portion of each image frame corresponding to the exposure period and for a second portion of each frame outside of the exposure period.

Abstract: A video camera system is described which may store operating parameter information for reading by the system to provide optimum operating conditions, which may collect information reflecting system uses for later reading by the system to provide a performance history, and which is relatively small and operates with a reduced number of electrical lines to transmit electrical information.

Abstract: An electronic autoclave cycle passively records the number of thermal cycles to which an instrument has been subjected in a steam autoclave. When a sterilization cycle has been completed, and the instrument is next energized in use, a microprocessor is employed to read the sensor and record the occurrence of a sterilization cycle. Information as to the cumulative number of cycles through which the instrument has been subjected is stored in a non-volatile memory. This data is suitably displayed on a display panel. The sensor employed uses either the Curie temperature or a temperature near but below the Curie temperature of a ferromagnetic material by first magnetizing the material and then, later, checking its flux density to determine whether a thermal cycle has occurred. In a first embodiment, a Hall effect sensor is used to directly measure the magnetic field strength of the magnetizable material.

Abstract: A video camera system stores operating parameter information for reading by the system to provide optimum operating conditions, collects information reflecting system uses for later reading by the system to provide a performance history, and is relatively small and operates with a reduced number of electrical lines to transmit electrical information.

Abstract: A system for transmitting an image through the fiber bundle of an optical fiber endoscope is provided, characterized by an electronic filter for substantial removal of distortion such as that introduced by passage of the image through the bundle. The filter is configured with a variable characteristic such as cutoff frequency which can be matched to a predetermined parameter of the bundle such as the density of individual fibers. Thus, the filter can be easily modified to provide optimal performance if the fiber bundle is replaced or modified.

Abstract: A video camera of the type in which the camera head is detached from the camera control unit, and coupled to the same with a cable is provided. The driving circuitry for the imager is situated at the camera head. Compensation circuitry is included to adjust the phase relationship between the timing signals passed to and from the camera control unit over the cable to at least partly compensate for delay through the cable.

Abstract: A remote endoscopic video camera system is provided which is capable of providing both left and right eye pre-video signals for generating a three-dimensional image. The left and right eye pre-video signals are provided by first and second imagers which are capable of being enclosed in a single camera head, which, in turn, is capable of being coupled to the remaining camera circuitry through a single cable, without causing substantial interference between the two imagers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer is of the type having a piezoelectric transducer communicating with a fluid reservoir and is characterized by having a protective cover of a predetermined wavelength which is superimposed on the transducer, an elastomeric boot in surrounding relation to the cover to prevent fluid loss from the interface between the cover and transducer, and an oil coupling medium is disposed in the interface for coupling the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the cover.