Means For Coupling Camera Or Imager Patents (Class 600/112)
  • Publication number: 20150105618
    Abstract: There is provided herein a camera assembly for use with a medical probe, such as an endoscope, the assembly comprising a main body configured to be mounted on an endoscope tip section, wherein said main body comprises at least one camera and at least one illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Avi Levy, Moshe Levi, Golan Salman, Leonid Krivopisk
  • Patent number: 8988600
    Abstract: A support according to an embodiment is a support that supports a wiring board including a mounting area for an image sensor, a first lead area extending from the mounting area and having a first connection terminal formed therein, and a second lead area extending from the mounting area and having a second connection terminal formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takatoshi Kamei
  • Publication number: 20150080655
    Abstract: Medical device, system, method for capturing medical images includes an image capture and processing portion and an interchangeable medical tool portion. The image capture and processing portion is configured to capture and process a photo image, a video stream of images, or a coded image. The interchangeable medical tool portion is configured to connect to the image capture and processing portion. The image capture and processing portion further includes a configuration module configured to detect a connection of the medical tool portion to the image capture and processing portion, determine the type of the interchangeable medical tool portion connected, and adapt the image capture and processing portion to the detected type of the medical tool portion. The medical device may transmit medical images to an external device for interpretation by an expert, providing coaching to the user of the medical device, and for asset management, decision support, and/or other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ken Peterson, Jennifer Hoss, Jennifer Jensen, Mitchell Smith, Robert Walker, D Craig Edwards, Jeffery Edwards, Fred Chapman
  • Publication number: 20150080654
    Abstract: An endoscope (1) includes a first beam path (3) formed at least at a distal end (2), and an image recording chip (5), which captures the first beam path (3). The endoscope includes a shutter apparatus (7) having a shutter element (8) composed of a semiconductor material, which is formed in the first beam path (3). The shutter element (8) is arranged adjustably between a position that releases the first beam path (3) and a position that alters a transmission in the first beam path (3), in particular a position that switches off the first beam path (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SCHÖLLY FIBEROPTIC GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias KÜHN, Maximilian GÖTZ
  • Publication number: 20150065795
    Abstract: An optical coupler is disclosed for mounting at a distal end of an optical imaging device for visualizing a surface area covered with an opaque fluid and/or particulate matter. The coupler includes a visualization section at one end of the coupler and an attachment section connected to and extending away from the visualization section. The attachment section is dimensioned to be mounted at the distal end of the optical imaging device. The visualization section includes a proximal surface for engaging the distal end of the optical imaging device. The visualization section includes an outer surface spaced apart from the proximal surface. The outer surface extends continuously from a first outer side boundary across to a second opposite outer side boundary of the visualization section. The visualization section may include a hollow instrument channel extending from the proximal surface toward the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Titus
  • Publication number: 20150065800
    Abstract: A video endoscope including: an elongated housing; an image sensor unit arranged in the elongated housing; an optical transmitting unit arranged in the elongated housing and connected to the image sensor unit; and a through contact device, wherein the optical transmitting unit is arranged at a proximal end of the elongated housing on the through-contact device, the through-contact device penetrates through a wall of the elongated housing and the through-contact device is arranged such that it is mounted in a hermetically sealed manner in the wall of the elongated housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian JUNGBAUER, Patrick SCHERR, Sebastian STUEHLE, Sven PABST
  • Patent number: 8956279
    Abstract: One end of a cable connecting fitting is fixed to a transmission cable. After a locking claw provided on the other end of the cable connecting fitting is locked to the tip surface of a mounting tube portion of a prism holder, the mounting tube portion and the cable connecting fitting are fixed to each other. An image area sensor is close to the inner circumferential surface of a distal end hard portion, and a camera module is disposed in the distal end hard portion. The cable connecting fitting can be disposed at a free space between the inner circumferential surface of the distal end hard portion and the image area sensor. The size of the cable connecting fitting can be increased within a range of the free space, connection strength is secured, and separation of the prism or junctions and rupture of the transmission cable can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Ryou Kitano
  • Patent number: 8951187
    Abstract: An intraoral imaging system includes a receiving module that communicates with an imaging display device. The imaging device includes handle having a transmitter module and a power source as well as neck and head portions that extend from the handle. The device includes a camera module that rotates in the distal and proximal direction to view and process still images and video. The camera module includes a movable image sensor to provide focus capability. The imaging device further includes a control assembly having a plurality of control members. The control assembly includes image capture controls that an operator engages in a lateral motion to capture images or video. A focus control member controls the spatial relationship between the image sensor and the stationary lens and an articulation control member to articulate the camera module to provide a greater range of imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Top Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David Ryan Anderson, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Caitlin Elizabeth McCarthy, Alexander Munro, Raime Phillips
  • Patent number: 8944997
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods. The present medical devices comprises a platform comprising a magnetically-attractive material, and a camera coupled to the platform and configured to be moved in at least three degrees of freedom relative to the platform, where the camera's movement in each respective degree of freedom is controlled by a separate actuator coupled to the platform. The medical devices further comprise a housing disposed around at least a portion of the camera, the housing being at least partially transparent, and a wiper arm configured to move relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Raul Fernandez, Daniel J. Scott, Shou Jiang Tang, Jeffrey A. Cadeddu, Richard A. Bergs
  • Publication number: 20150018619
    Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of an integrated circuit (IC) die, and a circuit. The IC die includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate plane face and a substrate edge, an imaging array formed on the substrate plane face, and a plurality of array pads mounted on the substrate plane face and connected to the imaging array. The circuit includes a circuit substrate having a circuit face and a circuit edge butted to the substrate edge, a plurality of circuit pads mounted on the circuit face, and a plurality of traces mounted on the circuit face and connected to the circuit pads. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connectors coupling the array pads to the circuit pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Doron Adler, Arie Blumenzweig
  • Publication number: 20150005580
    Abstract: The current invention relates to an endoscope having a distal end being arranged to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient to be examined and a proximal end which is arranged to be held by the user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a control handle arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope and an insertion portion arranged at the distal end of the control handle. The insertion portion comprises a camera housing arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, said camera housing being a moulded component comprising an outer surface, a camera device embedded in the material of the camera housing, and a light source embedded in the material of the camera housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Lasse Kjeld Gjoeske Petersen
  • Patent number: 8918164
    Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Doron Adler, Ofra Zinaty, Daphna Levy, Arkady Glukhovsky
  • Patent number: 8911357
    Abstract: In the optical structure observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, a middle layer of a measured object having a layer structure at least including a surface layer and the middle layer is extracted and flattened to be a same flat plane, the optical stereoscopic structure image is reconstructed with the flattened middle layer as the reference layer, the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is generated, and at least the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is imaged and displayed on the display device, whereby the structure information with the middle layer in the measured object having the layer structure as a basal plate can be visually determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Omori
  • Publication number: 20140357952
    Abstract: A video endoscope having a handgrip and shaft having a cladding tube, wherein a prism unit having at least two prisms is connected to the cladding tube, wherein at least one distally arranged prism is rotated to modify a viewing angle around a rotation axis, an inner positioning system that comprises at least one rotational body arranged on a rotation axis of the shaft, axially fastened, and rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to the distal tip of which the at least one image sensor is fastened, and at least one axially movable translational body, wherein a drive device is configured such that upon actuating a first control element, only the rotational body is rotated, and upon actuating a second control element, the translational body is moved and the rotational body is rotated such that a horizon position of an image formed on the image sensor remains constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin KROHN, Jens ROSE
  • Patent number: 8900132
    Abstract: The endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes: an insertion portion having a bending portion; an observation device that is provided at the insertion portion; an illumination unit that is provided at the insertion portion, and that illuminates a visual field of the observation device; a main body unit that is formed having a size that enables it to be held and operated by one hand of a user; an operating section that is used to operate the bending portion; a display unit that is connected to the insertion portion, and that displays images acquired by the observation device; a light emitting component that is provided in the main body unit, and that is connected via a light guide to the illumination unit; a heat discharge unit that is provided at the main body unit such that at least a portion thereof is exposed, and that is thermally connected to the light emitting component; and a shielding portion that is provided at the main body unit, and that covers at least a portion of the periphery of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takakazu Ishigami, Ayumu Inada
  • Patent number: 8882656
    Abstract: A diagnostic catheter and method of use for analyzing tissue is provided. A method for analyzing tissue in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a catheter having a sensor at its distal end into the body of a patient, applying suction through the catheter to secure the tissue to the catheter and then analyzing the tissue with the sensor. An apparatus for analyzing tissue within the body of a patient in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is also provided. This alternative embodiment includes a catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end having an orifice and a sensor, the catheter also having a lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt
  • Patent number: 8876806
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated member assembly extending from the housing. The elongated member has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion by a cable that facilitates the relative movement of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Patent number: 8866870
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling from a first location a laser at a second location are disclosed. Laser orientation data is determined at a first location. The laser orientation data is communicated to the second location. Video data is received from the second location that includes imagery of a laser beam emitted by a laser, and the imagery is presented on a display at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140303439
    Abstract: A video endoscope including: a endoscope shaft; a hermetically enclosed video-optical unit arranged in the endoscope shaft, wherein the video-optical unit comprises an enclosure including a substantially cylindrical, hermetically sealed housing having a distally arranged entry window, an objective lens, an image sensor unit, and one or more signal lines, the housing being connected to an outer jacket tube in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the image sensor unit is mounted in the housing rotatably about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft and comprises at least one image sensor, wherein, in order to rotate the image sensor unit, a magnetic coupling with an outer magnet and an inner magnet operationally connected to the outer magnet in a magnetic manner, is arranged in the area of the distal tip of the endoscope shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Patrick SCHERR, Andreas BRAUN
  • Patent number: 8854445
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an image pickup section equipped with a color separation section that picks up an image of returning light from a subject illuminated by an illumination section, an emphasis processing section that performs emphasis processing on sharpness of an image signal generated from the output signal of the image pickup section and a storage section that stores information for modifying processing contents of the emphasis processing, wherein the storage section stores information for setting image signals to be subjected to emphasis processing in first and second observation modes in which images are picked up under illumination of white light and narrow band light respectively to a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and the emphasis processing section performs emphasis processing on the luminance signal with a greater emphasis characteristic than the color difference signal over an entire frequency domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kenji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20140296636
    Abstract: A distal end bending piece subjected to processing for fastening a nail-plate portion so as to allow seesaw movements is assembled on a proximal end side of a distal end rigid portion, a sleeve is inserted from a rear side, and the sleeve is fitted and fixed to the distal end rigid portion in a state where a distal end bending piece is housed in the sleeve, thereby allowing a first nail-plate portion to elastically press an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and allowing a second nail-plate portion to elastically press a bottom surface of a recessed portion of the distal end rigid portion at a predetermined contact pressure. Such a configuration enables a secure and stable electrical conduction between the distal end rigid portion and the distal end bending piece without interfering with a reduction in a diameter of the insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Keisuke HATANO
  • Publication number: 20140288370
    Abstract: A video endoscope with sideways viewing direction including an endoscope shaft having a jacket tube, an entry window joined hermetically to the jacket tube at the distal end of the jacket tube, a sideways viewing optical subassembly and a sensor module having an optical sensor, wherein the sensor module is disposed on a distal side of a longitudinally extended sensor module carrier that is rotatably mounted with respect to the jacket tube. In the video endoscope, the sideways viewing optical subassembly can be formed as an attachment which can be plugged distally onto the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier and which is rotatably mounted with respect to the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier, wherein the attachment has at least one lock which interacts with at least one corresponding lock on the jacket tube, such that the attachment is rotationally fixed with respect to the jacket tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian JUNGBAUER, Sebastian STUEHLE, Patrick SCHERR, Ronny HUEBL
  • Patent number: 8840543
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting an endoscope to a camera including a cylinder having a zoom lens and a focus lens therein. A zoom adjustment member engages the cylinder with a first coefficient of friction and is movable relative thereto to cause axial movement of the zoom lens. The zoom adjustment member is operatively connected to a focus adjustment member such that movement of the zoom adjustment member causes the focus adjustment member to move thereby moving both the zoom lens and the focus lens axially. The focus adjustment member engages the zoom adjustment member with a second coefficient of friction and is movable relative thereto to cause axial movement of the focus lens within the cylinder. The first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction such that movement of the focus adjustment member does not cause movement of the zoom adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Wenjie Deng, Chien Mien Pang
  • Publication number: 20140275766
    Abstract: A detachable stylet assembly for endotracheal intubation of a patient is disclosed. The stylet comprises an elongated tube defining: a longitudinal axis, a proximal end for detachably mounting the stylet to a hand grip, and a distal end for entering the trachea of the patient. The tube comprises an articulation section adjacent the distal end adapted to curve into the trachea upon actuation. An actuator housing is mounted on and adjacent to the proximal end of the tube. An actuating assembly is constructed inside the actuator housing having connection means for engaging the hand grip. A control wire is mounted within the actuator housing and connected to the actuating assembly. The control wire extends through the tube to the distal end of the tube and is adapted to curve the articulation section upon actuation. The hand grip comprises a base handle and a trigger for manual actuation of the actuator assembly. The trigger comprises finger grooves for convenient gripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AI Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schwartz, Richard Schwartz, Harsha Setty
  • Publication number: 20140275783
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by employing bi-directional pads used for both image data issuance and configuration command reception and internal supply voltage generation, for reducing the number of conductors in an endoscope system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OLIVE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Laurent Blanquart
  • Patent number: 8836818
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes an independently exchangeable first circuit board that has an electric component and a non-volatile first storage unit; a second circuit board that has an electric component, a non-volatile second storage unit, and a third storage unit; and a controller that accumulates and stores information corresponding to an imaging count in the third storage unit at a first timing that corresponds to imaging performed by the image capture apparatus, and causes information corresponding to the information stored in the third storage unit to be stored in the first or second storage unit at a second timing that occurs at a longer interval than the first timing. The controller stores the information corresponding to the imaging count in the third storage unit after comparing information regarding the imaging count stored in the first and second storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhito Takaki
  • Patent number: 8834355
    Abstract: A device for delivering an apparatus or object to a targeted location within a human subject is disclosed. The device includes a body, a handle mounted to and movable relative to the body, a tube, a cable, and retention unit. The tube has a first end fixed to the body and a second end fixed to the retention unit. The cable has a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body. The cable extends substantially through the tube. The retention unit applies a retention force sufficient to retain the capsule during endoscopic delivery to the targeted release location. Manipulation of the handle in a direction relative to the retention unit generates a force on the apparatus greater than the retention force. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlin E. Younker, Dean J. Secrest, Robert M. Stuba, Christopher J. Kaye, K. Randall John, William Ross Mancini
  • Patent number: 8821381
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic endoscope which enables the image pickup apparatus of the electronic endoscope to be easily replaced with image pickup apparatuses of different specifications. The electronic endoscope according to the present invention is configured by including a distal end member which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, and which includes an image pickup apparatus mounting hole as a housing portion for housing an image pickup apparatus; and an outer shape adjusting member as an adjusting member which is provided between the image pickup apparatus and the image pickup apparatus mounting hole, and which fixes the image pickup apparatus in the image pickup apparatus mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Akiba
  • Publication number: 20140243597
    Abstract: A surgical system for performing a surgical procedure includes an ex-vivo positioning mechanism and an in-vivo instrument magnetically attracted to the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. The in-vivo instrument can be positioned within a patient by moving the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. In addition, the surgical system includes a percutaneous member introducible into the patient independent from the ex-vivo positioning mechanism, the percutaneous member comprising a connector at a distal end thereof, wherein the connector is selectively couplable to the in-vivo instrument within the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Ragae M. Ghabrial
  • Patent number: 8801255
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end rigid portion that configures a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and has a through hole; an LED ceramic substrate including an LED light source mounted on a distal end side thereof, and arranged in the through hole so as to emit light from the through hole; an LED cable configured to be inserted in the insertion portion of the endoscope and to supply electric power to the LED light source; a ceramic cutout portion that configures a proximal end side of the LED ceramic substrate, and allows a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the LED light source and the LED cable to be exposed from inside the LED ceramic substrate and connected to the LED cable; and a reinforcement member having rigidity and fixed to the LED ceramic substrate and configured to cover the ceramic cutout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Akira Kudo
  • Publication number: 20140221749
    Abstract: An endoscope has a pannable camera at the distal end of its insertion shaft, the pannable camera assembly being pivotable to provide a range of a field of view that can be equal to or greater than 180 degrees. A terminal light emitting element may be mounted to the camera assembly in order to illuminate the immediate field of view of the camera sensor regardless of the rotational position of the camera assembly. A fluid-carrying conduit of the insertion section may also be used to house functional components, including the camera assembly, actuation cables, a communications cable connected to the camera sensor, and/or a fiberoptic cable providing light to the light emitting element. A distal section of the endoscope handle may be rotatable relative to a proximal hand-held section of the endoscope handle, a rotary encoder being provided to convert the rotational position of the insertion shaft relative to the handle into a signal for the purpose of image orientation correction by an electronic processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Jason A. Demers, Derek G. Kane, Peter K. Vondras, Stephen L. Fichera, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20140206937
    Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Avram Allan Edidin, Xiaolong Ouyang
  • Patent number: 8764765
    Abstract: A medical instrument insertable through a cannula, the instrument comprising an elongate shaft; and an operative tip having a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw. The operative tip disposed at a distal end of said elongate shaft and being disposed on said shaft for rotation relative to at least a distal end portion of said shaft about a longitudinal axis of said distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, Oleg Shikhman, Anatoly Konik, Dan Rottenberg, Christopher Battles, Michael Abrams, Jeffrey Radziunas, Danial Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8747300
    Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway, comprising providing a visualization system comprising a tube having a distal and a proximal end, at least a portion of the distal end being rotatable; visualization apparatus disposed within the system; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the rotatable portion of the tube, the helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the passageway and the helical thread engages the wall of the passageway, rotation of the rotatable portion of the tube induces a relative movement between the tube and the wall of the passageway; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the rotatable portion of the tube so as to bring together a site which is to be visualized and the visualization apparatus; and using the visualization apparatus to visualize the interior of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Endo Technology America Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Frassica, Robert E. Ailinger
  • Patent number: 8734332
    Abstract: A plug-in unit with integral cable connection to the operating part of an endoscope and plug connections for lamps, mechanical, and/or electronic modules is characterized in that a hollow tube extending to the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the plug-in unit by the integral cable connection and the operating part and has its proximal end positioned so that it is freely movable in the plug-in unit in such a way that can be conducted out of a closeable bore-hole in the wall of the plug-in unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop Produktions GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Krattiger, Martin Klumpp, Manfred Kuster
  • Publication number: 20140142384
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided and includes a flexible insertion tube; a distal end assembly provided at an end of the insertion tube; and a cooling medium tube provided in the inside of the insertion tube, and connected to the distal end assembly. A cooling medium for cooling the distal end assembly is introduced through one of the insertion tube and the cooling medium tube, and discharged through the other of the insertion tube and the cooling medium tube. Since the endoscope is configured such that the cooling medium directly contacts with a heating element or a conductor through which the heat of the heating element is conducted, the cooling effect of the front end portion of the endoscope is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae-In CHUNG, Mun-Kue PARK, Jin-Won LEE
  • Publication number: 20140142383
    Abstract: An endoscope, consisting of an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal and a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope. The control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor. The endoscope includes a connector which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit. In addition, the connector includes a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor. The control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. (d.b.a. Olympus Surgical Technologies America)
    Inventors: Arie Blumenzweig, Shai Finkman, Stuart Wolf
  • Patent number: 8708891
    Abstract: A stereoscopic coupler for mechanically and optically coupling an endoscope to a portion of a camera, the stereoscopic coupler including means for mechanically and optically coupling the stereoscopic coupler to an endoscope; and means for mechanically and optically coupling the stereoscopic coupler to a portion of a camera; wherein the stereoscopic coupler includes a pair of optics; a mechanical actuator for operation by a user; and means for physically moving the pair of optics as a unit in response to movement of the mechanical actuator by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Viking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Sjostrom, John E. Kennedy, Dennis Arsenault, Yuri Kazakevich
  • Publication number: 20140107417
    Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a tubular element forming a lumen, a deployable element of a subassembly, and an electronic component mounted to the deployable element. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. The deployable element is coupled through the subassembly to the tubular element, and is adapted to transition between a closed position and an open position. The electronic component has at least one imaging device and at least one illumination source. The subassembly, including the deployable element and the electronic component, are releasable from the tubular element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: EndoSphere Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur C. McKinley, Jesse R. Plouffe, Melvin B. Prenovitz, Stephen J. Herman, Vivek Sikri
  • Patent number: 8667966
    Abstract: An intubating attachment apparatus for use with endotracheal intubation devices comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical support module configured to accommodate a fiber optic intubation scope and at least one of an endotracheal tube or an endotracheal tube exchanger. The invention obviates the need for an attending medical professional to utilize more than one hand when advancing an endotracheal tube and/or endotracheal tube exchanger along with the fiber optic bundle of a bronchoscope into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Hideo Koike
  • Patent number: 8668637
    Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup device includes a sheath functioning as insertion section which is inserted in a body cavity, a camera head body which is coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath, is rotatable about the axis of the sheath as a rotational axis, and has a center of gravity below the rotational axis, and a remote control section which is provided at a position with an extension below the camera head body. With this structure, even if an endoscope is rotated about the axis of the sheath of the endoscope, the camera head body is always kept in a constant attitude by its own weight. In addition, blurring of an image can be prevented at a time of capturing a still image by the operation of the remote control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Fuminori Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 8659648
    Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, a first color separation section separates an image picked up by an image pickup section into a first luminance signal and a first color difference signal, then a first color conversion section and a second color separation section convert the first luminance signal and the first color difference signal to first three primary color signals and second three primary color signals respectively, a signal intensity ratio calculation circuit calculates a signal intensity ratio among the first three primary color signals, matrix coefficients of the second color separation section are changed based on the calculated signal intensity ratio and the second color separation section converts the first luminance signal and the second color difference signal to the second three primary color signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kenji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20140051923
    Abstract: A personal electronic device (PED)-endoscope image and diagnosis capture system is provided. The system includes a PED adapter having a magnification lens connection side and a PED connection side. A magnification lens is connectable with the lens connection side of the PED adapter. An eyepiece lens coupler is also provided and connects the magnification lens to the endoscope eyepiece. A PED is connected to the PED adapter and includes a processor, a memory and an image capture system with a PED lens. The PED adapter aligns the magnification lens with the PED lens. The processor is configured to activate the image capture system using a remote or voice-activated trigger signal and store captured images in the PED memory. Patient data and examination data can be associated with the images, and the images and data can be transferred from the PED to an electronic medical records system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Inventors: Natasha Mirza, Jason Brant
  • Publication number: 20140046132
    Abstract: A deployable endoscopic imaging module and endoscopic surgical system having an imaging system with solid state variable direction of view navigation features, and manipulated by direct contact force, mechanical linkage and/or magnetic force. A deployable endoscopic imaging module or endoscopic imaging system equipped with solid state variable direction of view image navigation features and software. A deployable imaging system having image navigation software and solid state variable direction of view technology which can be incorporated into a percutaneous housing for performing surgery through a patient's skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Douglas S. Kirk, William S. Schnorr, Nathan Jon Schara
  • Patent number: 8647258
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical device. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly and a camera assembly coupled to the jaw assembly. The camera assembly includes a camera housing defining an interior space having at least one opening on a side thereof, first and second support arms pivotally coupled within the camera housing and deployable therefrom, and a camera body coupled to the first and second support arms and moveable between a first position, in which the camera body is positioned within the interior space of the camera housing, and a second position, in which the camera body extends from the at least one opening of the camera assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Michael P. Whitman, Donald Malinouskas, David A. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20140024895
    Abstract: A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert Allyn
  • Publication number: 20140018624
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AVANTIS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lex BAYER, Rupesh DESAI, John HIGGINS
  • Patent number: 8622896
    Abstract: A liquid cooled endoscopy unit having plurality of LED light source units integrated into the proximal end of the arthroscope. The LED light source is cooled by the sterile conventional irrigation fluid circulating inside a cooling chamber located in the body of the arthroscope and conveniently capable on demand of emitting UV light for fluorescein endoscopy. The inventive device conveniently incorporate and contains all tubing and power supply cables for the camera and LED light source in a single tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Zafer Termanini
  • Patent number: 8608645
    Abstract: A stereo-endoscope is provided having a hollow shank with two axially parallel optical channels, which channels run through the hollow shank and respectively form at least a section of an image path to respective oculars of a binocular observation device arranged on the proximal end of the hollow shank. Moreover, the stereo-endoscope includes a camera connection, and one of the optical channels also forms at least one section of an image path to the camera connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Boebel, Alexander Frank, Klaus-Peter Hipp, Rudolf Heimberger, Felix Bitrolf, Friedrich Haehnle, Carl-Sebastian Wagner, Stephan Prestel, Gerhard Fritz Buess
  • Patent number: 8597179
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion inserted into a body, an optical member arranged exposed from an outside surface at a distal end of the insertion portion, an objective optical system that condenses light impinged from the optical member, an electronic image pickup circuit that photoelectrically converts the light condensed by the objective optical system, a heat absorbing section arranged in the vicinity of the electronic image pickup circuit for absorbing heat generated from the electronic image pickup circuit, a heat transfer section extending toward the optical member side for transferring heat of the heat absorbing section, a heat radiation section arranged in the vicinity of the optical member for radiating heat transferred by the heat transfer section to the optical member, and a heat transfer member that is formed by patterning a metal foil on an insulating, flexible film member and includes the heat absorbing section, the heat transfer section and the heat radiation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Mitsutaka Kokubo