Abstract: A connector for coupling an endoscope to a video camera to facilitate an enhanced viewing of endoscope-invaded examination and surgical zones on a video monitor screen, to which the camera perceived image is transmitted. The coupler combines three axially-aligned and rigidly joined component elements including a first adapter for quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting an endoscope, and a second adapter for connection to a video camera. A joinder element is interposed between and connects the two adapters to one another. The three components of the coupling apparatus are fixed against rotation relative to one another, while the first adapter permits rotation of the endoscope with respect to the coupling apparatus and the attached camera. Fluid-tight seals are provided between the elements of the coupling apparatus and between its adapters themselves and endoscope and camera.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump of the type in which a motor-driven hub rotates hub-carried rollers in stressing engagement against to compress a fluid-carrying tube seated in the pump, thereby to propel the liquid through the tube. The pump is characterized in that the functional positioning or loading of the fluid-carrying tubing into and the removal of the resiliently compressible, fluid-carrying tubing from the pump housing is facilitated by apparatus for retracting the tube-compression, fluid-impelling rollers radially inwardly toward the core or hub of the pump and away from an outer bounding wall of a channel in which the compressible section of the tubing is seated. The improvement described effectively removes the rollers as physical impediments during loading of the tube into, and during unloading of the tubing from the pump.

Abstract: A continuous flow urological endoscopic apparatus includes an endoscope having a reciprocatively-mounted treating device mounted within a sheath thereof. Pump devices establish continuous flow of fluid into and out of the interior of the body cavity to be treated via delivery and return conduits, respectively. According to one aspect of the invention, the return conduit inlet is positioned near the outermost protracted position of the treating device so that the flow of fluid is away from the objective lens of a telescope mounted within the endoscope, thereby enhancing visibility greatly. According to another aspect of the invention, a pressure sensing device is mounted within the sheath for detecting fluid pressure within the body cavity, and an electric conductor conveys signals indicative of such internal pressure within the body cavity, for safety purposes.

Abstract: A binocular endoscope for diagnostic work, medical treatment and surgical procedures providing depth perception in the image of an object viewed. Image transmittal from the viewed object to the viewing station is through a non-distorting, high resolution, optical system utilizing long path length lens means. Selectable field viewing through 360.degree. of continuous rotation, with preservation with image conformity, is achieved through the use of a dove prism in combination with mechanical linkage to compensate for rotation effects. The apparatus also includes field illumination means, fluid input and exhaust channels and a manipulable surgical element.