Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open end of a suction valve cylinder, arranged within a control section of the endoscope, is closed by a stop. A cap is mounted on the distal end of an insertion section so that liquid may flow between a nozzle and a suction opening which are arranged at the distal end of the insertion section. The nozzle communicates with an air supply channel and a liquid supply channel, and the suction opening communicates with a suction channel. A stop is mounted on the open end of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder arranged in the control section, and a syringe is connected to the stop. The piston of the syringe is pushed, thus supplying liquid in the cylinder of the syringe into the cylinder and discharging the liquid from the other ends of the three channels through the channels and the valve cylinders, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and valve cylinders with the liquid.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope body in which an air supply pipe and a water supply pipe are included, and an air supply unit connected to the endoscope body. The endoscope apparatus includes an air supply switch and a water supply switch arranged in an operating section, and a drive signal generator being adapted to receive output signals from these switches, an air supply pump connected to the air supply pipe, a water supply pump connected via a water vessel to the water supply pipe and having an output higher than the air supply pump. The air supply pump is driven responsive to the drive signal from the drive signal generator to achieve normal air supply for a time period during which the air supply switch is closed.

Abstract: An endoscope light source device comprises a light source device body and a connector receptacle rotatably set therein. The connector receptacle is provided with a central through hole for receiving a light guide and cylindrical holes penetrated by contact pins projecting from a base of the connector receptacle. The control pins are connected to the leads extending through the connector receptacle. The leads are connected to signal lines coupled to the signal-generating circuit provided in the light source device body. An electrical connection mechanism is mounted on the signal lines or provided between the respective signal lines and leads to ensure electrical connection between the signal lines and leads. An air-conducting passage is provided in a connection conduit formed in the connector receptacle for communication with the air conducting connection tubes.