Abstract: A device for measuring the size of targets viewed with a borescope having a housing with a longitudinal axis and a distal viewing end with an optically transparent window set therein, a source of target illumination which projects a cone of illumination so that the axis of the cone of illumination is at an angle of less than 90.degree. with the housing axis, a contrasting shadow generated in association with the illumination source so as to project the contrasting shadow on the target, an image detector disposed adjacent to the source of illumination, directed so as to detect the image of the target and the contrasting shadow, a display for viewing the target and shadow as detected by the image detector, and a measuring device for measuring the parameters of the contrasting images on the display so that the actual size of the target can be determined.

Abstract: A control handle and viewing screen assembly combines video monitor and remote steering control for a borescope steering section. A joystick or similar device controls the steering section when an inspection mode is employed. In a second or freeze-frame mode the joystick is used to move a cursor on the screen or to carry out a computation function. Steering servo motors can be positioned distally for balance.

Abstract: A color camera employs a monochrome imager and a color filter plate that is divided into a plurality of primary color filter sections. The filter sections can be individually shuttered electronically for transmitting color sequential images onto the imager. In one embodiment there are red, blue, and green color filter sectors that radiate from a center at the optic axis of the camera. In an alternative embodiment, concentric annular color filters are provided.

Abstract: A tubular, fluid-controlled bending neck is provided for an elongated flexible probe, such as a video borescope. An elongated tubular elastomeric bladder is fitted to a proximal connector that fits onto a distal end of the probe insertion tube, and a distal fitting seals the distal end of the bladder. A tubular braid is disposed over the bladder to confine the same and is mechanically attached to the distal fitting and to the proximal connector. The connector provides communication of fluid pressure from a controlled fluid pressure source to the interior of the bladder. An elastically bendable, but axially substantially incompressible spine is disposed at the interface between the bladder and the braid. This spine is preferably set or biased to be curved into one bending direction. As fluid pressure is applied to the bladder, the bladder inflates laterally. This shortens the braid on the side away from the spine, thereby bending the neck in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A tubular, fluid-controlled bending neck is provided for an elongated flexible probe, such as a video borescope. An elongated tubular elastomeric bladder is fitted to a proximal connector that fits onto a distal end of the probe insertion tube, and a distal fitting seals the distal end of the bladder. A tubular braid is disposed over the bladder to confine the same and is mechanically attached to the distal fitting and to the proximal connector. The connector provides communication of fluid presure from a controlled fluid pressure source to be interior of the bladder. An elastically bendable, by axially substantially incompressible spine is disposed at the interface between the bladder and the braid. This spine is preferably set or biased to be curved into one bending direction. As fluid pressure is applied to the bladder, the bladder inflates laterally. This shortens the braid on the side away from the spine, thereby bending the neck in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A light chopper wheel for use in a video system that is capable of producing either black and white or full color images. The wheel is formed of two circular sheet metal plates that are joined in back-to-back contact. A first series of circumferentially spaced color filter windows are located about a first diameter on the wheel and a second series of clear windows are circumferentially spaced about a second diameter on the wheel so that a clear window is radially adjacent each color filter window. Recesses are stamped in the back of each plate behind each color filter window and filters are mounted between the plates within the recesses.

Abstract: A video system having a video processor mounted to a frame, a viewing probe coupled to the video processor that has an imaging device at its distal end, and an illumination apparatus coupled to the viewing probe. The illumination apparatus includes a lamp assembly containing a light source. The lamp assembly also contains first and second heat sink members thermally coupled to the light source. Each of the heat sink members are electrically conducting and electrically insulated from the other. The first and second heat sink members are electrically coupled to the electrodes respectively of the light source. The illumination apparatus further includes a housing containing an opening configured and dimensioned to permit the insertion of the lamp assembly therein. The illumination apparatus further includes a receptacle disposed within and supported by the housing and having first and second electrical conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting an image generation system of a video processor from one form into at least one other form. The image generation system being of the type having a light source emitting a light beam and a rotating light control wheel, such as a color filter wheel, disposed in the path of the light beam. The converting apparatus comprises a mounting member, displaceably connected to a frame to permit reciprocal movement of said mounting member between a plurality of positions; means, coupled to the mounting member, for actuating the mounting member and a wheel assembly, including the control wheel and means for rotating the control wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatably mounted to the mounting member, such that the position of the control wheel, relative to the light source, is determined by the position of the mounting member.

Abstract: An auxiliary light apparatus for a color video borescope has an auxiliary box that is connected by an umbilical to a receptacle on the video processor unit for the borescope. The insertion tube of the borescope has an interface module which normally connects to a receptacle in the video processor, but also fits a receptacle in the auxiliary box. A sequential primary color illumination is generated in the auxiliary box and supplied through the interface module and a fiber optic bundle in the insertion tube to the distal end of the tube to illuminate a remote target area.

Abstract: An interface module for a video endoscopic system that permits the insertion tube to be connected to and disconnected from a video processor quickly and easily whereby sterilizing the tube is simplified and the substitution of one tube for another is greatly facilitated. The connector module interfaces the various video and other electric connections and also interfaces a fiber optic bundle connection and a fluid supply connection between the processor and insertion tube. A solid state imaging device is located at the distal end of the insertion tube, and this device is driven by signals received from the processor and transmits video signals back to the processor. The interface module contains circuitry that accepts standard input signals from the processor for driving the imaging device, and this circuitry includes means for adjusting the input signals so that they are compatible with the particular imaging device in the tube.

Abstract: A compact image sensor package for use in an endoscope or borescope in which a lens system, a solid state image sensor and a circuit board are mounted in tandem within a cylindrical sealed housing. The assembly is positioned within the viewing head of the instrument so that an image of a given target is recorded on the sensor and an electrical output signal indicative of the image data is transmitted out of the package via either an optical or electrical transmission line.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring and recording device that utilizes a piezoelectric crystal transducer for sensing the pressure of the blood in the brachial artery. The transducer is positioned in the cuff in an unrestricted manner whereby it in effect "floats". The cuff pressure and blood pressure coact to cause the crystal transducer to produce a waveform in which the relationship of the amplitudes of the positive and negative pulses indicate the systolic and diastolic pressures. Means are provided in the circuitry of the device for accurately distinguishing blood pressure pulses from spurious signals.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a compact viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a component viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a component viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a compact viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.