Abstract: An endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of endoscope modules having different treatment instruments mounted therein, an endoscope to which the endoscope modules can be attached, and a coupling member fixed to the distal part of an insertion unit of the endoscope and used to make the plurality of endoscope modules freely exchangeable. The plurality of endoscope modules having the different treatment instruments mounted therein are freely exchangeable to be coupled to the distal part of the insertion unit of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope, which has an insertion section with a moving part, comprises a stator for generating a surface wave as a combination of a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave; a rotor rotatably disposed facing the stator; an urging mechanism for bringing the rotor intimately into contact with the stator; a coupling member coupled to the rotor and adapted to cause the moving part of the endoscope to operate as the rotor rotates; and a disengaging mechanism for releasing the stator and the rotor from the intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus for inspecting an object including an insertion section insertable into the object and having a distal end and a proximal end, an image guide arranged within the insertion section and having entrance and exit ends arranged at the distal and proximal ends of insertion section, respectively, an objective lens system arranged at the distal end of insertion section for forming an optical image of the object onto the entrance end of image guide, an eyepiece lens system arranged at the proximal end of insertion section for projecting the optical image transmitted through the image guide onto an observating position, a first piezo-electric bimorph arranged at the distal end of insertion section for vibrating the entrance end of image guide in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion section over a given distance, a second piezo-electric element arranged at the proximal end of insertion section for vibrating the exit end of image guide in the same direction and over the

Abstract: A flexible tube assembly for an endoscope has outer diameter D and includes a helical tube constituted by a helically wound belt-like member having width l and thickness t. The helical tube has inner diameter d, and gaps s are formed between adjacent coils of the belt-like member of the helical tube. Gap s satisfies the following inequalty:3.gtoreq.s.gtoreq.l (d/2+t)/(30+D/2-d/2-t) (mm)A net tube covers the outer surface of the helical tube. An outer sheath covers the outer surface of the net tube.