Abstract: A method using a medical apparatus includes attaching a cylindrical sleeve to a respiratory tube insertion tool, the sleeve with a distal end affixed to an outward-facing illumination device and a corresponding forward-facing imaging device, the sleeve including an open proximal end connecting a tubular cavity to an outer space, the open proximal end to slidingly receive therethrough a distal end of the insertion tool; including an inner surface around the tubular cavity configured to slide over and removably affix itself to the distal portion of the insertion tool. The method includes inserting the insertion tool with the attached sleeve into an airway of a human subject, transmitting images of the airway acquired by the imaging device to a remote device for displaying, displaying the images of the airway on the remote display device, and positioning the insertion tool with the attached sleeve inside the airway based on the images.

Abstract: A hysteroscope includes a shaft comprising a fiber optic light channel, an operating channel, and two fluid circulating channels; and a zero-angle lens disposed at an distal end of the fiber optic light channel, wherein a distal section of the shaft has a bent section, and wherein the bent section has a deflection angle of about 5-40 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the remaining section of the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope system of the present invention is provided with: a long, thin inserted portion that includes an illuminating portion that emits an illumination light beam toward an imaging subject, an image-acquisition portion that acquires an image of the imaging subject, and a channel; and an illumination device that is disposed in the channel, wherein the illumination device includes an illuminating portion that emits, toward the imaging subject, an illumination light beam that has a divergence angle that is smaller than that of the illumination light beam and for which the image-acquisition portion has sensitivity, and a pulling member that extends to outside the channel from a base end of the illuminating portion, and wherein the illuminating portion can be removed from the channel by pulling the pulling member.

Abstract: The cover removal tool of the endoscope includes an enclosure, which is a fit hole that is fitted to cover the distal end cover having a locking portion and mounted on the distal end assembly, which is provided at the tip of the insertion section. The cover removal tool is provided with a protrusion that protrudes inside the enclosure. When the cover removal tool is fitted with the distal end cover being into contact with its interior, the protrusion comes into contact with part of the edge of the opening of the distal end cover and pushes in the peripheral direction. As the edge of the opening is pressed while being twisted, the distal end cover is broken by plastic deformation, and the lock with the locking portion is thereby released.

Abstract: An apparatus and to a method for imaging the inner contour of a tube are provided. The method includes radiating light having a first polarization direction onto a first tube end in the longitudinal direction of the tube; reflecting the light downstream of a second tube end, wherein the light that is returning through the tube due to the reflection has a second polarization direction that is orthogonal with respect to the first polarization direction; and filtering the returning light with a polarization filter to transmit only the returning light.

Abstract: An endoscope configured to measure a specimen using a stripe image formed by projecting a light-dark pattern on the specimen, the endoscope including an insertion portion having an elongated shape; an imaging unit provided at a distal portion of the insertion portion and configured to acquire an image of the specimen; a lighting unit configured to illuminate an observation field of view of the imaging unit; and a pattern projector which emits projection light configured to project the light-dark pattern to the specimen and project the light-dark pattern on the specimen. The imaging unit includes an image sensor configured to image the image of the specimen; and an objective optical system configured to form the image of the specimen on the image sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting both an absence and a presence of a light beam moving in an optical fiber to determine the position of a component. The method is carried out by the apparatus which includes a plunger having first and second positions coordinated with first and second component positions respectively. The optical fiber is capable of having a light beam move in a first direction and of having the light beam move in a reverse direction in the optical fiber. A detector is provided for indicating the absence of the reverse direction of the light beam moving in the optical fiber and for indicating the presence of the light beam moving in the first direction in the optical fiber.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a cylindrical member; a ring member, in which the cylindrical member is fixed; a recess portion provided in an outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member; a first recess wall formed in a direction around an axis in the recess portion; a second recess wall formed along a direction of the axis; a projection portion provided on an inner circumferential face of the ring member, the projection portion being engaged with a recess portion; a first contact portion that comes into contact with the first recess wall in the direction of the axis; and a second contact portion that comes into contact with the second recess wall in the direction around the axis.

Abstract: A distal end structure of an endoscope according to the present invention includes a distal end member formed of a metal material, an insulating ring provided in an annular shape around an insertion axis on a proximal end side of the distal end member, a cover formed of a flexible insulative material that covers the distal end member, a projecting section provided integrally with the insulating ring and projecting in a direction crossing the insertion axis, a through-hole provided in the cover and engaging with the projecting section, and a to-be-tom-apart section provided near the through-hole, in which force is applied to the to-be-torn-apart section to tear apart the cover along the insertion axis direction and remove the cover from the distal end member.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, with a main body and a rigid shaft, extending from the main body, which has a first section which extends in a rectilinear manner, a curved second section adjoining it and a third section, adjoining the second section, which forms a distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes, for receiving an instrument, a one-piece instrument tube which extends to the distal end of the shaft and has an open end there, and an optics module by means of which an image of an area in front of the distal end of the shaft can be recorded. A cladding tube extending from the main body to the distal end is provided, in which the instrument tube and the optics module are arranged, and which includes a rectilinear part for the first section and a curved part, connected to the rectilinear part, for the second section.

Abstract: This apparatus provides a method to enable a borescope to see inside a bore with a brighter image and a less obstructed view. This removable apparatus is essentially an extended coil spring that grips over the forward end of a borescope shaft by compression. The opposite end of this apparatus is connected in the same manner to an opposing light reflector by constricting over the outside surface of a light reflector. As a borescope enters the bore, it emits light forward that is reflected by the light reflector rearward against the viewing surface inside the bore. This apparatus connects the borescope to an opposing reflective surface with an extended thin wire that is partially in view of the borescope, providing minimal obstruction of the viewing area that is seen by the borescope. This apparatus also provides a minimal increase to the outside diameter of the borescope allowing it to fit inside a smaller bore.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an optical probe; and a robotic transport so adapted to the optical probe as to move the optical probe inside a drilled hole to measure the drilled hole at one or more depths.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the pore size of a substrate or device containing substrates adapted to separate fluids and has at least two surfaces, a first and a second surface, which are isolated from, one another and wherein the substrate or devices containing the substrates have an exit for fluids passing through the substrate, comprising: a) a particle generator (15) capable of generating particles of a controlled size; b) a system (18) for creating a pressure differential between the first and the second surface of the substrate; c) a light source (24) spaced front the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate adapted for illuminating particles exiting the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate; d) a closed flow path from the particle generator to the first surface of the substrate; e) a substrate or device holder (11) adapted for holding the substrate or device in the proper location in the system; and f) one or more reference images.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inspecting manholes or other voids and collecting data in a comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable manner. A sensor head is suspended and lowered into a manhole or other void. The sensor head collects data related to the condition of the manhole or void walls, and locations of defects, damage, or lateral pipe openings. The data can then be processed to provide a three-dimensional model of the manhole or void, and can be compared to previous or future data.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industry endoscope with a rigid body, which includes a base, a rod and a handle portion. One end of the base is horizontally connected to the rod having a knob. The handle portion is vertically connected to the base. The free end of the rod is provided with an inspection module. The rotation of the knob and the rod causes the inspection module to rotate 360 degrees relative to its axial line. In this way, the inspection module can be inserted to a small channel for precise inspection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for changing an optical path length through a fluid downhole, comprising interspersing an optically transmissive member into a first optical path through the fluid, thereby creating a second shorter optical path through the fluid. In another embodiment, the method further comprises measuring an intensity of light, I1 transmitted through the first optical path; measuring an intensity of light, I2 transmitted through the second optical path; and estimating an optical property for the second optical path from the ratio, I1/I2. A system is disclosed for changing an optical path length through a fluid downhole, comprising a fluid passage between two optically transmissive windows for the fluid downhole, the fluid passage having a first optical path through the fluid; and an optically transmissive member for insertion into the first optical path, thereby creating a second shorter optical path through the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: A method of securing a releasable component in an assembled engine by inserting a conduit through an aperture in a casing of the engine, the conduit being carried by a borescope and directing the borescope to the releasable component, and supplying an adhesive onto the releasable component through the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: A 360 degree view anamorphic resolution imaging system, which is a photonic device capable of illuminating the interior surface of a cylindrical object and then focusing the reflected light onto the detection surface of a viewing device. The system enables the selection of the level of image resolution from very high in the longitudinal axis near the center of the image, to moderate axial resolution near the outer edge of the image. The system may be used for viewing in-process machining operations, material flaw detection and measurement, and internal thread inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the internal outline of a duct or cavity, comprises light-emitting means (71) suitable for generating a collimated light beam, an elongate probe element (51; 51?; 51?) suitable for being introduced into the duct and for guiding the collimated beam along a predetermined propagation direction, reflector means (52) supported by the probe element (51; 51?; 51?) and suitable for deflecting the collimated beam so as to illuminate the internal wall of the duct, and for deflecting the reflected or diffused light coming from an illuminated point (P) of the internal wall so as to guide it along the probe element (51; 51?; 51?), and detection means (76) suitable for receiving an image of the illuminated point (P), which image is correlated with the optical distance of the point from the detection means (76), and for providing a corresponding electrical signal. The image is formed by the light guided by the receiving reflector means (52).

Abstract: A system for monitoring deflection of a downhole tool assembly. The system comprises a beam source directing a beam at a receptor positioned proximate the downhole tool assembly. The receptor detects the position of incidence of the beam at the receptor. A processor receives signals from the receptor and determines angular deflection of the downhole tool assembly based on incidence of the beam at the receptor. Information from other orientation sensors is also used to determine magnitude and direction of deflection. Deflection information is used by an operator or a control system to maintain or correct the course of the downhole tool assembly.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for a base substrate of a multi-layered board irradiates light to the base substrate of a multilayered board to which a protective film is attached. An image of a surface, to which the protective film is attached, is picturized by a camera, so that an acceptability of a state of a via hole is inspected on the basis of a difference between a light reflectivity of the via hole and a light reflectivity of the protective film. The protective film is colored so as to lower its light reflectivity so that the difference between the light reflectivity of the via hole and that of the protective film is clearly generated. Accordingly, on the basis of the image picturized by the camera, the size of the via hole, dusts therein and the acceptability of the via hole can be accurately inspected.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a quick, simple and accurate manner in which to measure the dimensions or characteristics of a hole without contacting the hole. The apparatus and method of the present invention also automatically detect different materials defining the hole and, therefore, the location of the interface where the materials meet. To measure the characteristics of the hole, the apparatus and method measure the intensities of the light reflected off the hole wall. In addition, the light directed toward the hole wall by the optical fiber may be of the type, such as collimated or focused, to provide distinct reflections that are received and measured by the optical receiver to supply accurate measurements of the hole characteristics.

Abstract: A device for inspecting solder connections between a component and a substrate or between two components or substrates, wherein the component is disposed upon the surface of the substrate, the device including an image receiving unit. An image transmitting device, the image transmitting device including a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the image receiving unit. A tip assembly removably coupled to the second end of the image transmitting device, the tip assembly further including a mirror and an image receiving aperture, the tip assembly configured to transmit an image of the solder connections received by the mirror, through the image transmitting device, to the image receiving unit, and an illumination device, the illumination device including a light source, at least one light transmitting device, and at least one light emitting aperture disposed adjacent the image receiving aperture, the light emitting aperture directed towards the solder connections to be inspected.

Abstract: An inspection and retrieval device for vehicle fuel tanks comprising an elongated insertion tube having an end illumination source. A fuel pump in communication with the insertion tube defining a fuel path there through. An extensible gripping element extending from the insertion tube at its inlet and an illuminating source. A power source for the fluid pump and illumination source with interconnected control switches. The insertion tube is placed within a vehicle fuel filled tank and the illumination source is activated. The inspection tube can be maneuvered within the tank for visual inspection. Foreign objects can be engaged by the gripping element and removed while foreign liquid in the tank can be pumped out by activation of the fluid pump.

Abstract: A device for inspecting solder connections between a component and a substrate or between two components or substrates, wherein the component is disposed upon the surface of the substrate, the device including an image receiving unit. An image transmitting device, the image transmitting device including a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the image receiving unit. A tip assembly removably coupled to the second end of the image transmitting device, the tip assembly further including a mirror and an image receiving aperture, the tip assembly configured to transmit an image of the solder connections received by the mirror, through the image transmitting device, to the image receiving unit, and an illumination device, the illumination device including a light source, at least one light transmitting device, and at least one light emitting aperture disposed adjacent the image receiving aperture, the light emitting aperture directed towards the solder connections to be inspected.

Abstract: An endoscope for inspection of an observation cavity, in particular of an observation cavity in which a hot medium and/or infrared radiation is present, has a shaft in which an optical system is arranged. The shaft has an inner shaft and an outer shaft surrounding the latter at a distance, the optical system being arranged in the inner shaft. The shaft is configured in the region of its distal end in such a way that it is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectral range.

Abstract: An optical system of an endoscope for investigation and observation of spaces in medicine and engineering. The construction permits the panoramic observation of the internal surface of the space or channel. The endoscope contains a tube in which a lens is installed along the axis of symmetry and coaxial along the entire internal surface of the tube a longitudinal fiber illumination light guide is installed. A lateral observation nozzle is installed on the tube with the possibility of unlimited rotation around the tube. The nozzle is provided with a unit of two reflection prisms, one is meant for lateral observation and the other for lateral illumination. The lateral observation prism is incorporated into the body of the lateral illumination prism. A diaphragm overlapping the face of the lateral observation prism presented to the lens is arranged, on the nozzle.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for an endoscope enabling an optically highly precise arrangement consists of a first frame member, a second frame member, and a distance restriction member. The first frame member is located at the distal part of the optical adaptor. A plurality of objective optical systems is stowed and held in the first frame member. The second frame member is located behind the plurality of objective optical systems. A relay optical system that transmits optical images formed by the objective optical systems and teams with an imaging optical system located in front of an imaging device in an endoscope to form an image transmission optical system is stowed and held in the second frame member. The distance restriction member is interposed between the first frame member and second frame member and thus sets the distance between the members to a predetermined value.