Abstract: Apparatus for use with a light box having a high output light source contained within a housing includes a rotatable turret assembly capable of supporting a corresponding number of optical fiber bundles. The turret assembly is eccentrically mounted relative to an illumination axis of the contained light source. A glass rod is fixedly disposed at substantially the focal point of an exiting beam of the light source along the illumination axis, allowing each of the supported fiber bundles to be selectively rotated into and out of alignment to provide efficient light coupling while preventing premature degradation of the optical fibers while electrically isolating the turret assembly.

Abstract: A case of the type for carrying and using an instrument having an insertion tube, a control handle, and a light box having therein a fan, the case comprising a body with a removable cover, a primary cavity in the body for snugly receiving the light box therein, oriented so that controls on the light box are accessible to a user, a secondary cavity in the body for receiving a control handle attached to the insertion tube therein, and a coil of tubular material, having a low coefficient of friction, positioned within the secondary cavity, and having an open proximal end into which the insertion tube can be slidably received for storage. The case is structured to promote cooling the of light box.

Abstract: A shipping and storage case for a borescope or endoscope has a coil of a tubular low-friction material, such as PVC tubing, to receive the borescope's flexible insertion tube. The coil can be in a form of a flat spiral positioned adjacent one side wall of the shell, or in the form of a helical spiral positioned adjacent the side walls within the case. The coil of tubing provides a convenient way for insertion tubes to be packaged and protected during shipping and storage.

Abstract: A control unit for a steerable probe of the type having a flexible insertion tube and a distal steering section which is articulated by displacing a pair of steering cables has a pair of pulleys which can be displaced within the housing to take up slack on the cables. A carrier plate for threaded sheath adjusters for the cable sheaths has a pair of threaded bores for the adjusters and a second pair of threaded bores that extend from the periphery of the carrier plate into the first bores. A pair of threaded set screws lock the adjusters at locking positions relative to the carrier plate. A plurality of set screws are distributed about the circumference of the distal end of the control housing. These set screws releasable engage the proximal portion of a strain relief fitting. This permits the strain relief fitting and the associated insertion tube to be rotated to a desired position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A light chopper wheel for use in a video system that is capable of producing either black and white or full color images. The wheel is formed of two circular sheet metal plates that are joined in back-to-back contact. A first series of circumferentially spaced color filter windows are located about a first diameter on the wheel and a second series of clear windows are circumferentially spaced about a second diameter on the wheel so that a clear window is radially adjacent each color filter window. Recesses are stamped in the back of each plate behind each color filter window and filters are mounted between the plates within the recesses.

Abstract: An auxiliary light apparatus for a color video borescope has an auxiliary box that is connected by an umbilical to a receptacle on the video processor unit for the borescope. The insertion tube of the borescope has an interface module which normally connects to a receptacle in the video processor, but also fits a receptacle in the auxiliary box. A sequential primary color illumination is generated in the auxiliary box and supplied through the interface module and a fiber optic bundle in the insertion tube to the distal end of the tube to illuminate a remote target area.

Abstract: An adaptor for coupling an endoscopic probe to a video processor for displaying a picture of a target upon a viewing screen. The probe contains an optical element at its proximal end for providing an image of the target. A camming mechanism is used to secure the proximal end of the probe in one end of the adaptor housing. A small camera having a solid state in an insertion barrel is attached to the adaptor housing by sliding the lens barrel into a receiving opening formed in the opposite end of the housing. A chamber separates the distal end of the lens barrel and the proximal end of the probe. The targeted image presented by the optical element of the probe is recorded upon an imager mounted in the camera lens barrel and transmitted to the processor for viewing on the screen. The lens barrel is held within the adaptor housing by a detent mechanism having a ball that engages a groove formed in the lens barrel.

Abstract: A wire guide assembly for use in an air conditioning system having a heat exchange unit. A wire guide assembly acts to provide a secure cavity through which wires emanating from the control area and flowing to a separately located electrical component may pass. The wire guide assembly serves to protect the wires from engagement with either a rotating fan or a heat exchanger. The wire guide assembly includes a control area member having a T-shaped opening, a retainer and a cover slidably engaged to the retainer.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for serving as both a reversing valve and an expansion device in a refrigeration circuit. A valve gate having passageways to direct refrigerant between the indoor and the outdoor heat exchangers to effect the function of a reversing valve is disclosed. In addition, the valve gate has multiple flow restriction devices which are selectively incorporated within a refrigeration circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to effect the appropriate amount of flow restriction dependent upon the mode of operation of the unit. These two functions may be incorporated into a single valve or they may be separated such that the separate functions are performed by separate valves. A cylindrical valve gate and multiple passageways for connecting the appropriate lines in a refrigeration circuit are described. The valve is rotated by a combination of an electromagnet spaced about the valve gate and a permanent magnet located within the valve gate.

Abstract: A multiple position leg assembly for a heat exchange unit is disclosed. A support surface has a pair of slots which coact with a leg such that the leg has a shipping position wherein it does not extend beyond the bottom of the unit and has a support position wherein it is securely fastened in the slots of the support surface to maintain the unit a preselected distance from a mounting structure. The leg is designed such that internal forces act to secure narrowed portions of the leg in the slots to provide a secure support for the unit.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for serving as both a reversing valve and an expansion device in a refrigeration circuit. A valve gate having passageways to direct refrigerant between the indoor and the outdoor heat exchangers to effect the function of a reversing valve is disclosed. In addition, the valve gate has multiple flow restriction devices which are selectively incorporated within a refrigeration circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to effect the appropriate amount of flow restriction dependent upon the mode of operation of the unit. These two functions may be incorporated into a single valve or they may be separated such that the separate functions are performed by separate valves. A cylindrical valve gate and multiple passageways for connecting the appropriate lines in a refrigeration circuit are described. The valve is rotated by a combination of an electromagnet spaced about the valve gate and a permanent magnet located within the valve gate.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit and internal support therefor are disclosed. The internal support is bowl shaped and has portions for the support of fan means, an inner heat exchanger and an outer heat exchanger. An air inlet portion in the support allows air to be circulated therethrough by the fan means. A base pan having an air inlet portion allows air to enter the interior of the unit such that there is a separate air flow path for each heat exchanger, both air flow paths including flow through the air inlet portion of the internal support.