Abstract: An inspection device automatically performs inspections including: inspection by a power source inspecting section of a power source that supplies power from a main ultrasonic observation unit to an ultrasonic endoscope; inspection by a transmission signal inspecting section of a transmission signal Tx and a 3D drive clock from the main ultrasonic observation unit to the ultrasonic endoscope; inspection by an encoder inspecting section of a Phase A and Phase Z; inspection by a code inspecting section of a scanner code and a frequency code from the ultrasonic endoscope to the main ultrasonic observation unit; and inspection by a position sensor signal inspecting section of a position sensor signal from the ultrasonic endoscope to the main ultrasonic observation unit.

Abstract: An image sensing device includes a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged in the form of a single array and divided into n number of blocks each of which includes m number of the photoelectric elements commonly connected at one end. In one form of the present invention, a single operational amplifier and m number of switching circuits are used to establish operational independency of the m.times.n photoelectric elements. In other forms, operational independecy of the m.times.n photoelectric elements is established by using an array of blocking diodes or operational amplifiers constructed in the form of IC, but all of the components of a driving or scanning circuit, including these blocking diodes or operational amplifiers, are so structured to be mounted on the same substrate which is remarkably compact in size. Also provided are various forms of photoelectric cells which are particularly suited to be incorporated into an image sensing device and methods for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An optical switching device for switching the transmission of light waves is provided. The main feature of the present invention is the usage of a light-transmitting, crystalline material having a temperature dependent index of refraction. That is, the light transmission condition is altered by controlling the temperature of such a material. In one form of the present invention, a main waveguide and a branched waveguide are provided and light waves are switched between the main and branched waveguides by controlling the temperature of a particlar portion of the intersection region. In another form of the present invention, a pair of waveguides is oppositely arranged in an end-to-end relation with a gap therebetween, and a switching region is defined in the gap. When the switching region is heated, the waveguides are optically connected; whereas, they are optically disconnected at normal temperature condition.

Abstract: An optical coupling device comprising an electrooptical substrate, a pair of optical waveguides formed in the surface of the substrate and a grating electrode is provided. The grating electrode is so disposed to extend along one of the pair of optical waveguides at least partially. Thus, when a suitable voltage is applied to the grating electrode, a periodically changing structure of refractive index is formed within the one of the paired optical waveguides to couple the paired optical waveguides, thereby allowing to transfer a light signal from one waveguide to the other.