Abstract: The Bala 2/3 Dimensional Endoscope generates either two or three dimensional images from a rigid or flexible endoscope that is approximately 4 millimeters in diameter. The endoscope provides a means selecting from a switch on the device to select either a two or three dimensional view from within the body cavity without removing the endoscope from the body and requires no external light source for illumination.

Abstract: The Bala Laparoscope System is a reusable and/or disposable embodiment of a modular, surgical laparoscope with removable interchangeable viewing angles that enable one laparoscope to be used in place of two separate conventional laparoscopes with different viewing angles. The invention provides for distal lens cleaning without removing the laparoscope from the body. In addition, the invention provides for integrated image-guided working channels for surgical tools; cauterization and laser ablation and internal drug delivery. The simplicity of its optical design allows a much longer useful instrument life than conventional laparoscopes and essentially eliminates the need to rebuild them.

Abstract: The Bala Laparoscope System is a reusable and/or disposable embodiment of a modular, surgical laparoscope with removable interchangeable viewing angles that enable one laparoscope to be used in place of two separate conventional laparoscopes with different viewing angles. The invention provides for distal lens cleaning without removing the laparoscope from the body. In addition, the invention provides for integrated image-guided working channels for surgical tools; cauterization and laser ablation and internal drug delivery. The simplicity of its optical design allows a much longer useful instrument life than conventional laparoscopes and essentially eliminates the need to rebuild them.

Abstract: An interchangeable light guide system employs a multiplicity of disposable light guides each configured to provide a pre-selected off-axis angle of observation. The light guides are slid over the shaft of an endoscope of the zero angle endoscope and optically coupled with the probe to provide the off-axis observation angle. The specific observation angles are defined by the angles of the refractive surfaces of a prism. The proximal end of each of the adapters includes a knob to facilitate rotation of the light guide about the optical axis of the endoscope probe to orient the off-axis observation angle at a selected angular direction about the probe axis. The light guides are low cost disposable devices.

Abstract: A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and novel image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A novel segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the birefringence problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures. Conventional optical fiber imaging and light delivery apparatus may also be used in conjunction with the pulsed xenon light source.

Abstract: A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the stress related problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures.

Abstract: A zoom laparoscope having a laparoscope base unit with a proximal end and a distal end and having a sheath with a zoom assembly. In one embodiment, the laparoscope comprises a two dimensional solid state imaging sensor. The laparoscope can contain a sheath locking mechanism located at both its proximal and distal ends. The sheath can comprise a light transmitting material for illumination of a region of interest. In an alternate embodiment, the sheath comprises an attachment for changing the angle of view of the laparoscope. The laparoscope can also contain a handle at its proximal end.

Abstract: A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and novel image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A novel segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the birefringence problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures. Conventional optical fiber imaging and light delivery apparatus may also be used in conjunction with the pulsed xenon light source.

Abstract: A fail-safe device for removing power from controlled circuitry upon the occurrence of an undesired operating condition is disclosed. The fail-safe device includes means for detecting a short circuit in the controlled circuitry and for indicating the existence of an undesired operating condition if a short is detected. The fail-safe device further includes a non-volatile memory for retaining data through a power outage so that the existence of an undesired operating condition is remembered upon return of the power. The data stored in the non-volatile memory may also be useful in investigating an accident or malfunction. The fail-safe device still further includes a reset button which returns power after an undesired operating condition if it is momentarily depressed.

Abstract: A fail-safe device is disclosed for removing power from circuitry to be controlled upon the occurrence of an undesired operating condition. The device includes circuitry for generating a fail-safe signal that is normally within a predetermined frequency range unless there is an undesired operating condition. It also includes power control circuitry for supplying power to the circuitry to be controlled only when the fail-safe signal is within the predetermined frequency range. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry for generating the fail-safe signal includes a programmable computer which regulates the circuitry to be controlled and which, unless there is an undesired operating condition, such as a failure of the computer, also generates a sequence of bits in which a predetermined pattern occurs at a known frequency. A comparater circuit compares this sequence of bits with the predetermined pattern and generates a variation in the fail-safe signal each time there is a match.

Abstract: A web handling mechanism is described for incrementally feeding a web of stretchable material (e.g., plastic film) to a processing station. The web feed rollers are driven by a motor incorporated in a servo system which electronically controls the feed rate, length of increment, dwell at processing station, etc. Variations in the speed and elasticity of a moving web are accommodated by means of a vacuum box adapted to accumulate a loop of the web material in the box and maintain proper tension on the web as supplied to the feed rollers. A detector in the vacuum box responds to a predetermined length of web accumulated in the box to trip a control circuit which actuates the feed roller motor to move the desired length of web through the processing station and then stop for a preselected interval. The circuit also controls the processing station to synchronize its operation with that of the web feed and the entire sequence is repetitive at high speed.

Abstract: A web handling mechanism is described for incrementally feeding a web of stretchable material (e.g., plastic film) to a processing station. The web feed rollers are driven by a motor incorporated in a servo system which electronically controls the feed rate, length of increment, dwell at processing station, etc. Variations in the speed and elasticity of a moving web are accommodated by means of a vacuum box adapted to accumulate a loop of the web material in the box and maintain proper tension on the web as supplied to the feed rollers. A detector in the vacuum box responds to a predetermined length of web accumulated in the box to trip a control circuit which actuates the feed roller motor to move the desired length of web through the processing station and then stop for a preselected interval. The circuit also controls the processing station to synchronize its operation with that of the web feed and the entire sequence is repetitive at high speed.