Abstract: An automated acoustic micro imaging system includes a part-storage station favoring a dry environment, a part-transport robot, and a wet-environment inspection station. The wet-environment inspection station has an ultrasonic beam generator, a coupling fluid in which parts are inspected, and a part-retention stage. A moisture barrier is located between the wet-environment inspection station and the part-storage station favoring a dry environment. The inspection station includes a kinematic, quick-change part-retaining chuck and robotic means for interchanging chucks. Automatic acoustic micro imaging methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus useful in the inspection of a target comprises scanning the target with a pulsed acoustic beam, sensing the pulsed beam after it has been modified by interaction with the target, producing a time-domain signal indicative of the modifications, processing the time-domain signal to produce a frequency domain representation of the modifications, and producing an image-wise display of the frequency domain representation of the modifications. In one execution disclosed, the frequency domain representation is altered and then reconverted to a time domain signal before display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a surgical field along an optical path to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to the optical path and adjacent the surgical field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. A sterilizable display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the surgical field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a surgical field along an optical path to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to the optical path and adjacent the surgical field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. A sterilizable display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the surgical field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image directing member is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to direct optical images into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve. A movable blade is positioned distal to the image directing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring surgical instrumentation to tissue having a collar with structure thereon for attaching the collar to a surgical instrument and suture receiving structure disposed peripherally on the collar, the suture receiving being configured and dimensioned to receive an anchoring suture therein. A method is disclosed for using the apparatus whereby at least one suture provided in the peripheral tissue adjacent the surgical instrumentation is wrapped within the receiving structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a surgical field along an optical path to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to the optical path and adjacent the surgical field. A video projector projects the image along the optical path through a tilted projection optic or compensator, and mirrors locate the optical path adjacent the surgical field. A sterilizable display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the surgical field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image directing member is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to direct optical images into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve. A movable blade is positioned distal to the image directing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.