Abstract: A compact medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one white LED which is coupled to a light guide made up of a single optical fiber or a bundle containing a small number of optical fibers to provide illumination of a medical target, such as the ear canal.

Abstract: An illumination system for a medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one light directing element disposed relative to an instrument housing and at least one illuminating device, such as a white LED which is optically coupled to a peripheral portion of the light directing element for providing directed illumination of a target of interest.

Abstract: An imaging assembly includes a miniature electronic image sensor including an imaging substrate having a plurality of pixels and a microlens array aligned with corresponding pixels on said imaging substrate and focusing optics for focusing an optical image of a target onto the imaging substrate including at least one adaptive lens element. The focusing optics have a first exit pupil distance defining a first field of view and the miniature electronic image sensor has a second exit pupil distance defining a second field of view which is different than the first exit pupil distance. The adaptive lens element directs light onto said imaging substrate through said microlens array while maintaining the first field of view.

Abstract: A diagnostic assembly includes an instrument having a body portion and a distal camera head, in which a protective sheath encases the instrument body and includes a transparent window for allowing the camera head to view a target. A releasably attached handle overlays the instrument body and includes inner surfaces conforming to the instrument body to clamp the sheath in a predetermined position to prevent the sheath and the transparent window form being twisted during use.

Abstract: An imaging system has an optical assembly that can be removably attached to an elongated housing for insertion therewith into a narrow orifice. The housing has an imager such as a CCD array disposed therein. The housing and the optical assembly are secured together by a bayonet connector that is centered on the distal end of the housing. The housing has a plurality of light guides for transmitting light energy through the distal end of the housing via ports that are radially more distant from the axis of the housing than the outermost surface of the bayonet connector. The optical assembly has passages that align with the light guides of the housing, so that light energy passes from the light guides in the housing through the optical assembly along pathways that are outboard of the bayonet connector. The system can be employed for dental imaging, wherein the housing has an elliptical profile and is dimensioned to fit in the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: A film holder for a video display system, having a probe with a head portion, a processor, a monitor, and a printer for producing a permanent hard copy of the image received by the probe, includes a housing for positioning the film relative to the head of the video probe. The housing is provided with an aperture for receiving, positioning, and securing the head of the video probe within the housing. The housing also includes a diffuser for diffusing light entering the housing, and a slidable frame positioned between the diffuser and the housing aperture. The sliding frame is employed to secure the film at a predetermined distance from the head of the video probe. The sliding frame is provided with quick release fasteners so that individual pieces of x-ray film are easily interchanged within the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an insertion tube of a borescope centered within a passage along which the borescope travels, that includes a pair of opposed collar assemblies slidably mounted upon the insertion tube of the borescope, with each collar assembly including a cylindrical body section and an annular retaining ring, being removably mounted in face-to-face contact with one end face of the body section, and each retaining ring having a rear end face in contact with one body section and a front end face facing that of the retaining ring on the opposing collar assembly, and each retaining ring further including a series of circumferentially spaced rotor seats each having a longitudinally disposed slot passing through the outer wall of the ring, and a plurality of elongated wire spring members with each end fitting in a rotor seat, thus joining the opposing collar assemblies, where one of the collar assemblies is held in a stationary position adjacent to the distal viewing end of the borescope while the other

Abstract: There is disclosed a video system having a photodetector for sensing an optical pattern that is representative of a field of interest. The system incorporates a CCD photosensor having a pixel format adapted to a particular video convention, and further includes video electronics, a video output device such as a display, tape, or computer, which is adapted to a second video convention. The video output device introduces a distortion into the system in accordance with an incompatibility between the first video convention and the second video convention. To correct the distortion a cylindrical lens is disposed in the optical path extending from the photodetector to the field of interest, for varying at least one dimension of the optical pattern.

Abstract: A motorized mirror assembly attaches to a borescope insertion tube for rotating a mirror to provide side viewing capability. A housing for a motor/gearbox has an access port at one end that provides access to a shaft driven by the motor/gearbox for attachment to a side-viewing mirror. The assembly includes a battery enclosure into which a battery is inserted. The housing and battery enclosure have diameters that do not exceed the diameter of the borescope insertion tube. Power is switchably supplied to the motor/gearbox by an arrangement in which a ring retainer is connected to the housing, and a compression spring is mounted in electrical contact with one of the battery terminals and with an electrical terminal on the motor/gearbox. The tension exerted by the spring urges the motor/gearbox against a surface of the housing, and also pushes the battery against the wall of the battery enclosure to establish secure electrical continuity therebetween.

Abstract: A side-looking reflector attachment has a helical thread on the borescope or endoscope the reflector attachment can be rotated to any angular position by drawing the housing distally to move a retaining pin in the housing out of engagement with a recess in a threaded retaining ring. The housing and the mirror can be rotated to align the mirror with the probe imager. Then, the housing is released and the retaining pin then enters a recess at a new position. This arrangement renders the side looking attachment interchangeable from one probe to another.

Abstract: A fluorescent borescope is provided that provides target measuring capabilities. The device includes a primary ultraviolet light source and a secondary visible light source that has a light path spaced apart from the primary light source. The secondary light source is associated with a shadow bar that projects a shadow onto a target to be measured in a way that its video image changes position or size in proportion to the distance of the image sensing head of the borescope from the target. Calibration and measurement circuitry are provided to determine the size of the target in relation to the magnification of the projected shadow.

Abstract: A compact self-contained fail-safe motorized mirror assembly is provided for selective attachment to the end of a borescope insertion tube, attachment is through three self-locking standoff pins threaded on each end for engagement in the mirror assembly housing and the head connector of the insertion tube. One end of each pin and its socket is right-hand threaded and the other is left-hand threaded. A simplified bayonet style battery housing and motor "on/off" switch are provided at the other end of the housing to complete the assembly so that actuation of the motor can only be accomplished by deliberate rotation of the battery housing end and it cannot be accidentally disengaged except by a compound reverse motion of the end cap.

Abstract: A torsional strain relief assembly is provided for absorbing torsional strain at the proximal end of an elongated flexible insertion tube of a borescope or endoscope. The insertion tube is torsionally stiff, i.e. is bendable but resists rotation or twisting about its axis. The strain relief has a tubular rigid sleeve that is attached at its proximal end to a frame or housing, and contains a helical torsion spring whose proximal end is rotationally affixed to the frame. A bushing is rotatably disposed within the distal end of the sleeve and joins the distal end of the spring to the proximal end of the insertion tube. A layer of low friction material such as PTFE can be interposed between the bushing and the inner surface of the rigid sleeve. Rotation of the insertion tube due to bending and twisting is taken up by the spring, and the spring returns the insertion tube to the original position when the twisting forces are relieved.

Abstract: Resilient means on the mask frame of a cathode ray tube support the mask-frame assembly by mating with positioning studs embedded in the sidewall of the tube's viewing panel. To prevent permanent deformation of the resilient support means, mesas are formed adjacent to each means to beneficially limit their flexural movement necessitated by repeated insertion and removal of the mask-frame assembly during tube manufacturing.

Abstract: An improved bimetal mounting bracket for color cathode ray tubes allows an increase in the space between the mask and screen of the tube to accommodate a miniaturized electron gun without the need for changes to the other tube components.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved CRT internal magnetic shielding means in the form of at least two one-piece substantially longitudinal open trough-like metallic shielding members of arcuate cross-sectional construction having closed rounded ends. Each member incorporates strengthening features and is free of constructional jointures. The members are attached to the rear of the supporting frame of the screen-related apertured member, being oriented at the top and bottom thereof with their longitudinal openings in facing relationship.

Abstract: Microphonic suppressors are included in a color cathode ray tube. The suppressors are attached to the shadow mask and extend within the space between the mask and tube wall. One end of the suppressor contacts the tube wall. Constructed of spring-like material, the suppressors absorb sound waves generated within the television receiver before these sound waves can cause vibration of the shadow mask.