Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope comprising an endoscope head which is connected to an endoscope shaft by means of a bendable end piece to form a tubular component. According to the invention, an additional rotary member is inserted between the endoscope shaft and the bendable end piece for rotation of the bendable end piece about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope preferably comprising an alternating propulsion system in which an endoscope shaft is advanced by means of an auxiliary means (e.g. a hose preferably including fluid pads or a guiding wire/net) in a canal-shaped cavity by the fact that the endoscope shaft and the auxiliary means are alternately resting with respect to a cavity to be inspected and, at the same time, the element not at rest can be advanced while being guided along the resting element into the cavity, or are simultaneously moved forward, wherein in the latter case the basic stiffness of the auxiliary means is higher than that of the shaft.

Abstract: A zoom lens for use in endoscopic devices, in which a plurality of lens units is arranged in a lens cylinder perpendicular to the center line thereof. Among the plurality of lens units at least one lens unit may be hydraulically adjustable in the axial direction of the lens cylinder so as to vary the focal length of the zoom lens. Furthermore, the focal length of individual lenses of the lens unit may be varied by pneumatically varying the shape of the lenses in order to vary the total focal length of the zoom lens in this way.

Abstract: A visual means of an endoscope comprising at least one optical system or composite optical system arranged at a front area of the endoscope. The at least one optical system or the at least one composite optical system realizes an aperture angle of more than 180° and is arranged such that the field of vision thereof reaches both beyond the normal to the direction of movement and beyond the longitudinal axis of the endoscope pointing ahead.

Abstract: An endoscope shaft comprising a working conduit and a number of supply and/or functional conduits. The supply and/or functional conduits have an excessive length with respect to the endoscope shaft and are arranged in spirals, in serpentine and/or zigzag shape around or along the working conduit, whereby a flexibility and bendability of the endoscope shaft is achieved.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising an endoscope shaft (2) having in the front end portion a movable section, with the endoscope shaft (2) having provided therein at least one miniaturized electric drive member (22) for moving the movable section (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an endoscope along a canal-shaped cavity includes an endoscope having a movable distal end for entry into the cavity and a stationary operating end which remains outside of the cavity. A first portion of the endoscope is contained in a turnout tube which has a turnout area for entry into the cavity, and which also has a fixed end which remains outside of the cavity. A second portion of the endoscope extends from the fixed end of the turnout tube to the operating end of the endoscope. A first drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope and the turnout tube in unison, and a second drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope independently of the turnout tube. A lubricant may be applied through the fixed end of the turnout tube to the portions of the endoscope which are disposed within the turnout tube.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an endoscope tube having a forward head piece and a flexible eversion tube for moving the head piece into a channel-like body cavity by means of fluid pressure. The eversion tube has an outer portion; a turning portion engaging the head piece; and a rearwardly extending inner portion. A first fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the outer portion and the inner portion of the eversion tube, which space is sealed from ambient surroundings. A second fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the endoscope tube and a rearwardly extending inner portion of the eversion tube.