Abstract: An imaging scope includes an internal surface defining an internal cavity, a window permitting visual inspection of the internal cavity, a fluid in the internal cavity having a pressure different than ambient pressure, and a leak indicator transitionable between nonvisible and visible through the window when the pressure of the fluid changes toward ambient pressure.

Abstract: An imaging scope includes an internal surface defining an internal cavity, a window permitting visual inspection of the internal cavity, a fluid in the internal cavity having a pressure different than ambient pressure, and a leak indicator transitionable between nonvisible and visible through the window when the pressure of the fluid changes toward ambient pressure.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is adapted for use in an optical instrument having an elongated shaft with a transparent distal end portion. The imaging apparatus includes and image sensor assembly, a first articulating structure, and a second articulating structure mounted on the first articulating structure. First and second lateral side support structures at the lateral sides of the image sensor assembly are each mounted on the second articulating structure so as to position the image sensor assembly in an operating position in the instrument transparent end portion. The connection to the second articulating structure allows an articulation of the image sensor assembly about a lateral articulation axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion. This lateral articulation is in addition to the ability of the first articulating structure to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion.

Abstract: An intelligent endoscopic light source system for controlling the intensity of a light source, including a light source emitting light at a first intensity, an attenuator positioned to receive light from the light source at a first intensity and movable to pass light from the light source at a second intensity, a sensor mounted to the attenuator for measuring the first intensity, and a controller for receiving the intensity measurement from the sensor and moving the attenuator to pass light at a desired second intensity.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is adapted for use in an optical instrument having an elongated shaft with a transparent distal end portion. The imaging apparatus includes and image sensor assembly, a first articulating structure, and a second articulating structure mounted on the first articulating structure. First and second lateral side support structures at the lateral sides of the image sensor assembly are each mounted on the second articulating structure so as to position the image sensor assembly in an operating position in the instrument transparent end portion. The connection to the second articulating structure allows an articulation of the image sensor assembly about a lateral articulation axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion. This lateral articulation is in addition to the ability of the first articulating structure to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a blade that is connected to a hand piece based on data transmitted from the blade to the hand piece. The blade is provided with a first electronic coupler that communicates with a second electronic coupled positioned in the hand piece such that data related to the blade is transmitted to the hand piece and controllers/computers and in the case of reusable blades, updated data is transmitted to the blade to be saved in a memory coupled to the first electronic coupler. The coupling system can be either a hard wired or wireless coupling between the blade and the hand piece.

Abstract: An intelligent endoscopic light source system for controlling the intensity of a light source, including a light source emitting light at a first intensity, an attenuator positioned to receive light from the light source at a first intensity and movable to pass light from the light source at a second intensity, a sensor mounted to the attenuator for measuring the first intensity, and a controller for receiving the intensity measurement from the sensor and moving the attenuator to pass light at a desired second intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: An endoscope light source safety system, including visible light transmitted along an illumination path, one or more sources for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path, an optical element for combining the radiation from said one or more sources into the illumination path, an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation, a reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for transmitting said visible light and returning at least a portion of the radiation, and one or more detectors for receiving the returned radiation from said reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a blade that is connected to a hand piece based on data transmitted from the blade to the hand piece. The blade is provided with a first electronic coupler that communicates with a second electronic coupled positioned in the hand piece such that data related to the blade is transmitted to the hand piece and controllers/computers and in the case of reusable blades, updated data is transmitted to the blade to be saved in a memory coupled to the first electronic coupler. The coupling system can be either a hard wired or wireless coupling between the blade and the hand piece.

Abstract: An endoscope device providing electrical isolation between the endoscope and a camera control unit coupled to the endoscope. The endoscope uses an optical channel to transmit illuminating light to the endoscope and to transmit image data generated by an imaging device to the camera control unit. In this manner, only an optical connection between the endoscope and the camera control unit exits. Alternatively, a wireless channel for transmission of the image data and any commands signals may be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting tire spray includes a flap for deflecting the tire spray, a deformable holding article to hold the flap and a bracket to accept the deformable holding article.

Abstract: An endoscope light source safety system, including visible light transmitted along an illumination path, one or more sources for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path, an optical element for combining the radiation from said one or more sources into the illumination path, an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation, a reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for transmitting said visible light and returning at least a portion of the radiation, and one or more detectors for receiving the returned radiation from said reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.