Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a guide whose length along the optical reader optical axis is such that when that guide contacts the part or equipment surrounding the indicia to be read, that indicia is within the optical reader depth of field. The reader comprises a housing having therein a source of illumination and optics for producing a diverging beam for illuminating indica. A spacing element transparent guide is removably attached to the housing, and does not block indicia. The line of contact of the guide with the data carrier is substantially fully visible to the operator, who can thus confirm that the guide is in proper operating position relative to the indica prior to initiating a reading operation. A reading operation can be initiated by pressing on the guide to actuate a switch, or on a manual trigger.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for an optical viewing device that includes an optical subassembly for viewing an illuminated object plane. The illumination assembly includes a base member having an imaging window formed therethrough, a plurality of LEDs fixed to the base member in a plane substantially coplanar with the imaging window for projecting light upwardly away from the base member, and a non-mirrored reflector for redirecting light emitted from the LEDs back through the imaging window toward the object plane to illuminate the object plane. The non-mirrored reflector is positioned so as to house the LEDs, and includes a central aperture for providing optical communication between the illuminated object plane and the optical subassembly.

Abstract: A turret assembly is provided for use with a light box for supporting and indexing a plurality of fiber optic bundles relative to a light source contained within the light box. The turret assembly includes a supporting element having a plurality of openings for retaining a plurality of fiber bundles which is rotatably attached to a hub member mounting the turret assembly to the light box. The turret assembly also includes a light intensity control member for adjusting the intensity of light entering each indexed fiber optic bundle from said light source. The intensity control member is fixedly attached to an adjustment knob which independently rotates a light vane positioned in the light path extending from the light source in order to selectively to vary the illumination output therefrom.

Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a lens assembly and a guide detachably mounted on a front portion of the housing for establishing a distance between the lens assembly and an equipment target that is displaced a predetermined distance from a mark target wherein the optical reader further comprises an attaching member for supporting the lens assembly on the guide to form a detachable lens-guide assembly.

Abstract: A fiber optic light cable can transmit light from one or more of multiple light originating areas to a light issuing end of the light cable. A main bundle of optic fibers extends from the light issuing end (or cross-sectional area) of the light cable to a bundle junction area of the light cable. At this bundle junction area, the individual fibers are split into at least two bundle segments. The positions of all the individual fibers of the multiple segments are approximately randomized in the main bundle so that by the time they reach the light issuing end (or cross-sectional area) of the light cable, they are approximately random in position with respect to one another. This produces a generally consistent light spread regardless of which light originating area is illuminated. The light cable can be employed in conjunction with a light box having two or more lamps so that when one burns out, another may be quickly activated to continue illumination at the distal end of the tool.

Abstract: A laparoscope is constructed with a plug-in module containing video processing circuitry and coupled through a flexible umbilical to a rigid or partly rigid insertion tube that contains a miniature video camera. A fiber optic bundle for illumination has a bifurcated proximal end with two portions each terminating in respective sleeves that project from the module. The sleeve projects from the module. The sleeves position the illumination bundle portions at the focussed spot of light produced by respective low-power metal halide discharge lamps. A rotary vane shutter is servo controlled to limit the amount of light entering the fiber optic bundle so that the monitor video picture is kept at a constant level. The metal sleeve for the fiber optic bundle ends serve as grounding elements, and are coupled by a grounding pigtail within the module to a ground conductor in the umbilical. A test opening with a threaded plug serves as a pressure test port.

Abstract: A nose adapter for use with light boxes that illuminate fiberoptic light bundles. A retaining member is provided with a mounting aperture having predetermined standardized interior dimensions. One or more insert members are each provided with standardized exterior dimensions which are approximately equal to those of the mounting aperture, and with interior dimensions which are approximately equal to those of the end of a particular light bundle. First fastening means allows the light bundle to be easily inserted into and removed from its insert. Second fastening means allows the nose adapter as a whole to be easily attached to and detached from the light box.

Abstract: A contact bar code reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional bar codes. The reader comprises a housing having therein a source of illumination and optics for producing a diverging beam for illuminating a bar code symbol. A transparent frustoconical guide is removably attached to the housing, and has an conical angle corresponding to the beam's angle of divergence. The guide is dimensioned to encompass the bar code symbol, and its line of contact with the data carrier is substantially fully visible to the operator, who can thus confirm that the guide is in proper operating position relative to the bar code symbol prior to initiating a reading operation. A reading operation can be initiated by pressing on the guide to actuate a switch, or on a manual trigger.

Abstract: A light cable for transmitting light from a light source to the distal end of an imaging tool requiring a beam of directed light. The light cable is provided with a flexible outer cable member including at least one layer of protective material, a bundle of optic fibers contained within said flexible outer cable member, a first adaptor for connecting one end of the light cable to an imaging tool, and a second adaptor for connecting the other end of the light cable to a light box. The second adaptor is formed to split the bundle of optic fibers into at least two end segments. The light cable is employed in conjunction with a light box having two lamps so that when one burns out, the other may be quickly activated to continue illumination at the distal end of the tool. Alternatively, both lamps may be operated simultaniously to increase illunimation.

Abstract: A laparoscope is constructed with a plug-in module containing video processing circuitry and coupled through a flexible umbilical to a rigid or partly rigid insertion tube that contains a miniature video camera. A fiber optic bundle for illumination has a bifurcated proximal end with two portions each terminating in respective sleeves that project from the module. The sleeve project from the module. The sleeves position the illumination bundle portions at the focussed spot of light produced by respective low-power metal halide discharge lamps. A rotary vane shutter is servo controlled to limit the amount of light entering the fiber optic bundle so that the monitor video picture is kept at a constant level. The metal sleeve for the fiber optic bundle ends serve as grounding elements, and are coupled by a grounding pigtail within the module to a ground conductor in the umbilical. A test opening with a threaded plug serves as a pressure test port.

Abstract: A video laparoscope has a miniature video camera disposed at the distal end of its insertion tube. A removably installed tubular lens cell contains one or more focussing lenses. The lens cell has a male-threaded first end and a second end on which is formed a radial flange of a predetermined diameter. A tubular lens retainer canister is fixedly mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube, and has an outer distal portion with a diameter to match the diameter of the flange. A sealing portion adjacent to this has a smaller diameter, and biases against an O-ring or similar sealing member. A female-threaded proximal portion is screwed into the male-threaded first portion of the lens cell.

Abstract: A pair of standoff posts and an endless coil spring form a simple mounting construct for positioning a bulb and reflector assembly in a lamp fixture. The reflector is positioned within the loop of the coil spring and the height of the standoff posts is chosen to locate the spring about the midpoint of the depth of the reflector so that the spring imparts both a centering action on the reflector and a clamping action of the reflector against the lamp fixture. The standoff posts are positioned at opposite ends of an extended diameter of the reflector and with the loop spring form a self-centering and locating mounting for the bulb and reflector assembly on the lamp fixture.

Abstract: This invention involves a lighting system for a portable borescope in which the light is turned on and off at video frequencies and the duration of actuation is controlled in relation to the illumination picked up by the video imager in the distal end of the borescope insertion tube. By turning off the lamp for a significant portion of the duty cycle, a significant amount of power is saved, allowing use of the system in a battery operated borescope.

Abstract: A portable steerable borescope has a cable bendable steering section adjacent the viewing head, a servo control mechanism for the actuation cables of the bendable steering section, a joystick for actuating the steering section which is located remotely from the insertion tube and a control module/battery pack containing all the operating functions except for the video display which is a standard JVC portable color video monitor, all of which cooperate to yield a compact and portable industrial video borescope that can be used in remote locations as well as in conventional commercial power environments. Special circuitry has been provided to limit power consumption allowing over one hour remote operation without external power or large, heavy cumbersome batteries.

Abstract: This invention involves a cable bendable borescope in which opposing cable pairs are displaced to deflect the tip of the borescope in the perpendicular planes of motion. A servo motor is connected to each pair of actuating cables to selectively displace one or the other in accordance with the rotation of the servo motor. A control circuit for rotating the servo motors has a pulse generation network and a modulator circuit for modulating the pulse width to control the degree of rotation of the servo motors. A joystick type of actuator for the control circuit creates a change in variable potentiometers for the two directions of motion of the joystick which, in turn, causes the control circuit to rotate the servo motors for the corresponding plane of motion to produce the desired deflection of the tip of the borescope insertion tube. Tension control, centering and component compensation circuits are provided to limit stress on the cables.

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.