Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a suction unit. The endoscope includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion, and an angle knob provided on the operation portion for operating the bending portion; and an opening provided in the operation portion, wherein the opening is connected to a lumen provided in the endoscope. The suction unit includes a suction conduit, a protrusion inserted into the opening, and a suction button. In a side view perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the angle knob, a center of a top surface of the suction button, a center of the opening, and the angle knob are arranged along an imaginary straight line with the center of the opening located between the center of the top surface of the suction button and the angle knob.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a bridge pillar which comprises a protecting cylinder adapted to be mounted outside said bridge pillar so as to surround the latter, a plurality of elastic connecting rods for interconnecting said bridge pillar and said protecting cylinder, said connecting rods being connected to said bridge pillar so that they may be pivoted in every direction; and a float mounted on or in said protecting cylinder for floating it in water, in such a manner that at least half of said protecting cylinder is immersed in water.

Abstract: A water seal packing for sealing water at the coupling portion of underwater structures comprising first and second structures; said water seal coupling comprising a first flange, an intermediate body portion, a flexible U-shaped portion and a second flange; each component being formed integrally with each other, said first flange being fixedly secured to said first underwater structure while said second flange being fixedly secured to said second underwater structure.