Abstract: The specification describes endoscopes that enable varying stiffness of an insertion portion in an endoscope assembly. In one example, an actuator operates either a spring or a flexible tube to vary stiffness of the insertion portion. In alternative examples, an elliptical wheel arrangement or screw mechanism provides a means to increase stiffness of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly. In further examples, fluid and gas may be used inside the insertion potion to vary stiffness by varying pressure of the fluid/gas.

Abstract: There is provided herein an integrated manifold for the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope which combines the functionalities of the front holder, side holder/cage and fluid channeling components into a single part. The manifold includes square slots that are equipped with tracks. Square shaped lens assemblies having protrusions are used in the endoscope tip, such that the protrusions allow the optical assemblies to slide into the tracks of the square slots. This ensures gapless placement of viewing elements with no deviation in their position and field of view.

Abstract: There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element.

Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly has a tip that includes at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one side illuminator associated therewith, a first front service channel with a first exit point, and a second front service channel with a second exit point where the first and the second service channel exit points are located in close proximity on the front distal end of the tip. Further, an interior volume of the tip is in a range of 2.75 cm3 to 3.5 cm3, wherein each of the at least two viewing elements is configured to generate a field of view ranging from 120 to 180 degrees, a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 mm, and a peripheral distortion of less than 80%.

Abstract: An image capturing assembly for use in an endoscope includes a manifold with a base and a casing extending outward from the base, a partially enclosed housing adapted to physically attach to the manifold, a foldable LED carrier substrate capable of carrying a plurality of LEDs, a flexible optical carrier substrate capable of carrying a plurality of camera sensors, and a tip cover adapted to cover the manifold, housing, LED carrier substrate, and optical carrier substrate. The manifold includes at least one continuous channel extending throughout its length. The foldable LED carrier substrate includes a central, forward facing portion, adapted to carry at least one illuminator for a front viewing element, and a pair of arms extending proximally from the central portion. Each arm includes at least one foldable protrusion adapted to carry an illuminator for a side viewing element.