Patents by Inventor George E. Duckett, III

George E. Duckett, III has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250142186
    Abstract: A video camera device and system for white light and fluorescence imaging performs imaging for both fluorescence and non-fluorescence light collected from an illuminated scene. A beamsplitter downstream from an optical subsystem separates light a non-fluorescence image into a first imaging channel for and light for a fluorescence image into a second imaging channel. A meniscus lens is positioned downstream from the beamsplitter in one of the first and second imaging channels, and functions to change a magnification such that a magnification of the first image channel is different from a magnification of the second imaging channel. One or more image sensors downstream of the beamsplitter capture the fluorescence and non-fluorescence image light as a fluorescence image and a non-fluorescence image. The fluorescence image has an image size with a smaller area on the sensor or sensors than an image size of the non-fluorescence image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20250072723
    Abstract: An endoscopic illumination sleeve includes a housing holding a plurality of LED light sources (LEDs) for providing light to respective light fibers, the housing forming a chamber sized for encircling an endoscope shaft. A flexible sleeve is coupled to the housing and including the light fibers, the flexible sleeve adapted to be placed around the endoscope shaft such that a distal end of the sleeve is positioned toward the distal end of the endoscope shaft and the light fibers extend from the housing to the distal end to illuminate a scene. The flexible sleeve and housing are adapted to be secured around the endoscope in a working position for a medical procedure, and to be removable therefrom. A kit may include multiple sleeves providing different lighting capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Watkiss, Jonathan Bormet, George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20250072739
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a single chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light on different regions of the same image sensor to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels from different regions of the image sensor can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventor: George E. DUCKETT, III
  • Patent number: 12204088
    Abstract: An image relay system is presented that includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive optical power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power, and a second lens having positive optical power positioned adjacent to the rod lens, the relay system designed so that light across a broad spectrum come to a common focus, as well as correcting for spherical aberration across the broad spectrum. An endoscope employing this relay system is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Patent number: 12114831
    Abstract: An endoscope or other endoscopic instrument is provided with multiple image sensors incorporated into the distal tip, each capturing a portion of the image provided from an optical imaging system. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single image of a resolution higher than is possible with only one of the sensors. The resulting image, or a portion thereof, can then be displayed to the user. A digital panning feature is also provided where the region of interest displayed from the combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Patent number: 12078795
    Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A relay system includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power and an outer optical manipulating structure selected from various designs providing chromatic aberration correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Patent number: 12072483
    Abstract: Methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, the already split light again split, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be manipulated relative to each other. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Duckett, III, Marios Kyperountas
  • Patent number: 12059132
    Abstract: A camera head with multiple image sensors that may be detachably connected to an endoscope is presented. Each sensor capturing a portion of the image by the attached endoscope. One sensor receives two portions of the image light at opposing sides of the central image area, and another sensor receives the central image area. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single higher resolution image which can then be displayed to the user. A virtual horizon rotation feature is also provided which can rotate a displayed image within a combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors. Various light directing element designs are provided to direct image light to the multiple sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240231072
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240231071
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240197159
    Abstract: Endoscopic illuminator devices and methods are provided with an adaptive illumination profile. An endoscopic illuminator includes a first illumination element adapted for coupling first illumination light into a light input of an endoscope for illuminating a central area of a field of view of the endoscope. A second illumination element is adapted for coupling second illumination light to the light input for illuminating a peripheral area of the field of view, arranged relative to the first illumination element such that the first illumination light enters the light input at a substantially different angle from the first illumination light, and having an illumination level adjustable separately from that of the first illumination element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240197157
    Abstract: Endoscopic illuminator devices and methods are provided with an adaptive illumination profile. An endoscopic illuminator includes a first and a third illumination element adapted for coupling first illumination light into a light input of an endoscope for illuminating a central area of a field of view of the endoscope. A second and a fourth illumination element are adapted for coupling second illumination light to the light input for illuminating a peripheral area of the field of view, arranged relative to the first illumination element such that the first illumination light enters the light input at a substantially different angle from the first illumination light, and having an illumination level adjustable separately from that of the first and third illumination element. The second and fourth illumination elements provide imaging light in a different spectral band than the first and third illumination elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240137627
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240137626
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20240069325
    Abstract: Methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, the already split light again split, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be manipulated relative to each other. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Duckett, III, Marios Kyperountas
  • Publication number: 20230301499
    Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A chromatic adjustment assembly, typically implemented with prisms, compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the optical channel. The assembly is placed optically between the most proximal rod lens of the endoscope and the focusing optics, typically at an internal telecentric image space, to improve the chromatic correction. The prism assembly directs incoming light with different spectral content along separate paths which compensate for chromatic aberration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20230273422
    Abstract: An image relay system is presented that includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive optical power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power, and a second lens having positive optical power positioned adjacent to the rod lens, the relay system designed so that light across a broad spectrum come to a common focus, as well as correcting for spherical aberration across the broad spectrum. An endoscope employing this relay system is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20230236411
    Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A relay system includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power and an outer optical manipulating structure selected from various designs providing chromatic aberration correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Patent number: 11700996
    Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A chromatic adjustment assembly, typically implemented with prisms, compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the optical channel. The assembly is placed optically between the most proximal rod lens of the endoscope and the focusing optics, typically at an internal telecentric image space, to improve the chromatic correction. The prism assembly directs incoming light with different spectral content along separate paths which compensate for chromatic aberration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20230190084
    Abstract: A fully implantable observation instrument is presented enabling visualization of an internal region of a human or animal body without the need of wires extending from within the body to without. Data and power may be transmitted wirelessly from a communication assembly located near an accessible surface of the body, such as directly under the skin. The communication assembly is connected and delivers necessary power to an also implanted camera assembly that includes an electronic image sensor and a light source contained within an at least partially transparent biocompatible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lietz, Eric Hale, Nathan J. Schara, George E. Duckett, III