Abstract: A front end structure of a side-view type endoscope includes a metal front end body on the side face of which a view window is provided, and an end cap of a resilient material in the form of a cylinder with a closed bottom. The end cap is detachably attached to the front end body and is provided with an opening through which at least the view window is exposed. Detachment preventing engagement portions are provided between the end cap and the front end body on opposite sides of the view window. The detachment preventing engagement portions are each provided with at least one recess and at least one projection which is engaged in the recess to resist the movement of the end cap in the end cap detachment direction.

Abstract: A removable protector sheath for an endoscopic insertion instrument of the type having an endoscopic insertion rod extended out from a manipulating or gripping head and including, successively from its proximal end on the side of the manipulating head, a rigid rod section, a flexible rod section, an angle section and a distal end section. The protector sheath is provided with a hollow tubular case enshrouding at least the flexible rod section, angle section and distal end section of the insertion rod. The tubular case is provided with stopper means for releasably stopping the protector sheath on the insertion rod by engagement with a trap means provided on the rigid rod section or on the manipulating head of the endoscopic insertion instrument.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover having formed therein a forceps channel and a forceps inlet opening through which a forceps can be inserted into the forceps channel, the forceps inlet opening is selectively closed by a forceps plug which is made of resilient material and separately formed from the insertion section cover. The forceps plug is preferably formed such that it can be detachably secured to a forceps inlet opening of an ordinary coverless (without-cover} endoscope.

Abstract: In an endoscope of the present invention, while a cover indicator on a distal cover is aligned with a scope indicator on a main distal part, the distal cover is put on the main distal part in an axial direction at a certain insertion angle. Thereafter, the distal cover is rotated while being thrust in the axial direction. The stoppage of a locking convex part of a hook of the main distal part by a claw of a reinforcement member is released, and the locking convex part of the hook is positioned in a locking ditch of the reinforcement member. The head of the hook is constrained to move in the axial direction by means of a main distal cover that is an elastic member and the claw. The locking convex part is then fitted into the locking ditch reliably. Consequently, the distal cover can be fixed to the main distal part readily, freely detachably, and reliably with high positioning precision.

Abstract: For use with a surgical microscope having an objective lens barrel protruding therefrom, drapes, methods of draping the microscope and methods of manufacturing the drapes. In one embodiment, a drape includes: (1) a sheet, having an elastically-deformable objective lens aperture therethrough, that covers at least a portion of the surgical microscope, the objective lens aperture adapted to receive the objective lens barrel therethrough and elastically constrict about the objective lens barrel and (2) a transparent objective lens cover, separate from the sheet and having a flexible barrel adapter, the flexible barrel adapter expandable to fit about and cover the objective lens barrel, the sheet and the objective lens cover cooperating to cover the portion of the surgical microscope, including the objective lens barrel.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera system including a handpiece having a lens, and a cable connector connected to opposite ends of a cable and a plurality of power source bases. The cable connector includes a video processor. Each power source base has a base connector and a light source. The cable connector is adapted to be connected to each base connector. The camera system is used by connecting the cable connector one at a time to each of the base connectors. The handpiece is enclosed by a disposable sleeve. The sleeve is held against the handpiece by an autoclavable rigid jacket. The portable dental camera is maintain sterile by enclosing at least the distal end of the handpiece with a first sleeve, and generating an image of first patient with the camera and a first power source base in a first dental operatory room. The first sleeve is then removed from the handpiece and replaced with a second sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscope unit includes an endoscope having an insertion portion and a fluid supply instrument mounted on the insertion portion. The fluid supply instrument comprises a thin resilient tube. This resilient tube is intimately attached to an outer periphery of the insertion portion of the endoscope and radially expansible. A supply member is connected to a basal end of the resilient tube. When fluid from this supply member is supplied to the basal end of the resilient tube, the resilient tube is radially expanded and a fluid passage is formed between the resilient tube and the insertion portion of the endoscope. The fluid is discharged from a distal end of the resilient tube.

Abstract: The invention incorporates electrodes in the tip of the sheath cover for a diagnostic probe that makes both electric and optical measurements of tissue contacted by the sheath. The electrodes are positioned relative to the optical window in such a way as to ensure that sealing is not compromised by the presence of the electrodes. The electrodes are close by to ensure that both the optical and electrical measurements are made on the same area of tissue. The invention uses the hoop tension in the sheath to apply the needed spring force to the electrode contact. In addition the invention provides a piece of turbid material such as a polymer of controlled composition as a built-in calibrator attached to the outside of the tip of the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath assembly usable within an elongated flexible endoscope to isolate a portion of the endoscope from an external environment during a therapeutic or diagnostic endoscopic procedure. The sheath assembly has a sheath with an elongated flexible endoscope tube, a plurality of working channels extending the endoscope tube, and a low-friction, fabric isolating sleeve positioned within the endoscope tube and surrounding portions of the working channels. The isolating sleeve includes first and second sleeve lumens formed therein through which respective working channels extend. The coefficient of friction between the isolating sleeve and the working channels is less than the coefficient of friction between the working channels themselves so that working channels are frictionally isolated from each other, from the endoscope tube, and from the insertion tube to reduce resistance to articulation of the endoscope.

Abstract: A multi-patient use trocar assembly is disclosed. The trocar assembly has obturator and cannula subassemblies. The obturator subassembly has an elongated obturator shaft which can receive an endoscope at its distal end. The obturator shaft is reusable for multi-patient use. A transparent obturator tip is detachably mounted onto the end of the obturator shaft. The obturator tip is transparent and disposable. Because it is transparent, illuminated images provided by the endoscope within the body cavity can be transmitted through the obturator tip. Once the trocar assembly is used on a first patient, the obturator tip is detached and disposed of, and replaced with another obturator tip. Hospital costs are reduced because the trocar assembly can be reused multiple times, and only the obturator tip needs to be disposed of after each patient use.

Abstract: An endoscope in one configuration includes an elongated cylindrical core with a transparent window at the distal end thereof. A removable housing is placed within the core along with an objective endoscope lens or optics at the distal end thereof. A photosensitive image sensor is mounted within the core. A transmitting electronic means with multiple conductors each has a distal end connected to the image sensor circuit board or image sensor and a proximal end connected to a video control unit. From the video control unit signals are transmitted to the video monitor which displays the image. A separable and disposable sheath or channel section is provided in a sterile condition and removably receives the core in a defined relationship. The sheath has at least one longitudinal channel formed around its periphery for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument or carrying light transmitting fibers.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, a front end body provided on the front end of the elongated insertion portion, and a detachable front end cover which covers said front end body, wherein said front end cover is comprised of a combination of an easily deformable member having a high resiliency and a deformation restricting member having a lower resiliency than the easily deformable member.

Abstract: A positioner or manipulator for an endoscope, laparoscope, or other surgical instrument, includes a flexible arm having a base attached to an operating table. A drape joint at the upper end of the arm has a tubular sterile drape which is pulled back over the arm, to provide a sterile field around the arm. A scope ring adapted to hold a scope or other instrument attaches to the drape joint. The attachments between the scope ring, drape joint and arm are preferably made with quick release fittings. The need to sterilize the arm is removed, decreases hospital operation costs, and increasing the level of sterility.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is inserted into a cavity under inspection and an operation section connected to the proximal end of the insertion section, and a protection cover including an insertion section inserting channel which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and into which said insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and a conduit channel which extends from the proximal end to the distal end, the improvement being characterized in that a distal end portion of the insertion section has a non-circular cross section such as a semicircular or oval cross section and a proximal end portion of the insertion section has a substantially circular cross section. A distal end member of the insertion section inserting channel has an accommodating portion which is a corresponding non-circular cross section.

Abstract: The disposable endoscope sheath includes a low-profile sleeve member that cooperates with the endoscope shaft to establish a relatively narrow irrigation space between the sleeve member and the endoscope shaft. The sleeve member is intentionally shorter than the endoscope shaft to accommodate a variety of different endoscope lengths that are longer than the sleeve. In various embodiments of the invention the sleeve member can be positioned to establish a predetermined distal gap between the terminal end of the sleeve member and the viewing end of the endoscope shaft, to establish a flush alignment between the respective ends, or to have the endoscope shaft project slightly beyond the terminal end of the sleeve member. Irrigation fluid can thus flow across the viewing end of the endoscope flushing away surgical debris from the viewing end. The sleeve member can be a rigid or flexible structure.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A device utilizable with an endoscope to promote cleanliness comprises a substantially thin-walled elongate tubular sheath made of a flexible material, the sheath having a use configuration with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of an insertion member of the endoscope, whereby the sheath may be removably disposed about such insertion member to substantially surround same prior to insertion of the insertion member into a patient. A liner element extends parallel to the sheath and inside the sheath at least along a distal end portion of the liner element. The liner element is insertable into a biopsy channel of the insertion member of the endoscope. The sheath and the liner element are attached at their distal ends by a transparent cap member to form a germ-tight seal. Biopsy channels expandable from a collapsed configuration to receive endoscopic surgical instruments during an operation are provided in or on the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is inserted into a cavity under inspection and an operation section connected to the proximal end of the insertion section, and a protection cover including an insertion section inserting channel which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and into which said insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and a conduit channel which extends from the proximal end to the distal end, the improvement being characterized in that a distal end portion of the insertion section has a non-circular cross section such as a semicircular or oval cross section and a proximal end portion of the insertion section has a substantially circular cross section. A distal end member of the insertion section inserting channel has an accommodating portion which is a corresponding non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope including an end cap provided with a nozzle for spouting a fluid in a predetermined direction. The end cap is detachable with respect to a distal end block which is provided at the distal end of an insert part of the endoscope. Engagement portions are provided on the end cap and the distal end block to regulate the condition in which the end cap is fitted to the distal end block. The engagement portion of the end cap and the engagement portion of the distal end block are formed such that, among different models of endoscopes in which the distal end blocks have approximately the same outer diameter, the engagement portion of the end cap off one model cannot be engaged with the engagement portion of the distal end block of another model.

Abstract: A cover system endoscope apparatus in which an insert part cover sheath for isolating the insert part of a cover endoscope is airtightly connected to a distal end constructive part of a tip part of an insert part cover. The insert part cover sheath is composed of a soft resin such as polyurethane exhibiting an excellent chemical resistance and a relatively high flexibility. The tip side of the cover sheath is connectively covered on an outer peripheral edge of the rear end of the distal end constructive part. The insert part cover sheath is formed with a forceps inlet on its near-at-hand side. Connected airtightly thereto is an endoscope manipulation part fixing mouth part having an expansion tube mouth for connecting an expansion tube and further a connecting part connected to a cover holding tool. An opening of an endoscope insert channel provided in an interior of the insert part cover sheath is formed on the near-at-hand side of the endoscope manipulation part fixing mouth part.

Abstract: A fiberoptic intubation stylet is an endotracheal intubation aid for use with a fiberoptic scope to facilitate difficult endotracheal intubations particularly when a direct line of sight is not available due to patient's anatomy or pathology. The fiberoptic intubation stylet comprises a pre-sterilized soft transparent plastic holding sheath with a longitudinally built-in malleable metal stylet. The tubular holding sheath provides a neat and secure contact of the fiberoptic scope so that the stylet can be held in position. The malleable stylet makes the fiber optic scope as firm and able to be curled into a shape of an ordinary intubation stylet that is familiar to all intubators, thus enableing the fiberoptic scope to be manipulated as an ordinary intubation style in any clinical situation, even when a direct line of sight is not possible.

Abstract: A tip ring 18 for forming a lock mechanism for locking a tip cover 51 is formed in a circumferential part with a lock projection 22 for forming a lock groove 26 which becomes a recess of the lock mechanism on the endoscope tip side between the lock projection and curved rubber 19. A lock piece which becomes a projection of the lock mechanism of the tip cover 51 is locked into the lock groove 26 made by disposing the tip ring 18 and the curved rubber 19. To enhance the attachment property of the lock piece 52 to the lock groove 26, the lock projection 22 is formed with a slant projection 27 which becomes a slope for guiding the lock piece 52 to the lock groove 26. The slant projection 27 is formed as a slope projecting to the tip side from the lock projection 22 and rising from the tip bottom face to the top face of the lock projection 22.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cover-fit endoscope can be used while being covered with a cover so that it is watertight. An appliance channel is extended through the cover and an appliance insertion inlet of the channel is open. This opening of the appliance insertion inlet is provided with an integral appliance plug. It is therefore possible to prevent the contaminated appliance plug from being fitted to the sterilized cover by mistake, and also to prevent leakage of the body fluids. Thus, the cover-fit endoscope is kept from contamination. The cover and the appliance plug are both discarded after use. The need for washing and disinfecting the cover-fit endoscope is eliminated, and use of the sterilized appliance plug is always ensured to reduce a fear of infection.

Abstract: A sanitary protective cover or sheath for the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer. The speculum has a generally tubular body portion and an infrared transparent membrane attached to and sealing the forward end of the body portion. While the tubular body portion is being injection molded of plastic material such a polypropylene or polyethylene, a film of a similar plastic material is mated to the forward end of the membrane and is thus severed from the film and one side thereof thermally bonded to the tubular body portion. At the same time a bonding ring of roughly the same diameter as the forward end of the tubular body portion is injection molded. The ring is thermally bonded to the opposite side of the film in alignment with the forward end of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an operating portion placed outside a living body, an insertion portion having a proximal end portion coupled to the operating portion, a distal end portion inserted in the living body, and an instrument insertion channel extending through the insertion portion, a raising mechanism having an operation wire and designed to direct the distal end portion of an instrument, caused to extend through the channel, to a predetermined position, and an operation means for operating the operation wire. The endoscope includes a distal end body portion arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and incorporating an observation means for observing the interior of the living body, a support member for forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the distal end portion. The support member is detachable from the distal end body portion.

Abstract: A protector girdle to be wrapped around an endoscopic insertion instrument prior to introduction into a body cavity through a cannula of a trocar for protecting a soft skin layer on a flexible section of the insertion instrument from sharp edges at the fore end of the cannula. The protector girdle is formed of a generally rectangular sheet of rigid and slippery material with a restorative spring force, and provided with an adhesive band zone defined in a predetermined width along one side of the rectangular sheet, and a large number of elongated flap cover strips cut in the remainder of the sheet material in a predetermined pitch along the adhesive band zone and having free ends on the other side of the sheet remote from the adhesive band zone. When the protector girdle is fitted on an endoscopic insertion instrument, a soft skin layer in a flexible section is securely protected by the respective flap cover strips while passage through sharp edges at the fore end of a cannula.

Abstract: An improved endoscope has been provided which includes an elongated cylindrical shell housing with a transparent window at the distal end thereof. A removable core has an objective endoscope lens or optics at the distal end thereof and an image sensor mounted within the distal end of the core. A transmitting electronic cable with multiple conductors each has a distal end connected to the image sensor circuit board and a proximal end connected to a video control unit. Signals are transmitted from the control unit to the video monitor which displays the image. A sterile separable channel section, removably receives the core in a defined relationship and has at least one longitudinal channel for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument or carrying light transmitting fiber. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of the channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable channel section is disposable after use on a patient.

Abstract: An improved endoscope prevents abrasion of a fiberoptic image guide with a braid reinforced sheath. Abrasion of fiberoptic image guides within articulating endoscopes quickly wear through a conventional fiberoptic mantle, decreasing the useful life of the endoscope. Preferably, the sheath comprises a metal braid disposed within a polyimide, which effectively protects the image guide from abrasion against the endoscope components and substantially extends useful life.

Abstract: An endoscopic sheath support assembly for supporting a sheath in a substantially fixed position for installation and removal of an endoscope insertion tube. The support assembly has an elongated rigid support tube with an interior area, and the sheath is in the interior area. The support tube is releasably connectable to a vacuum source to create a partial vacuum to expand the sheath. The distal end of the support tube has a pair of opposing openings that are adjacent to the distal end of the sheath when the sheath is positioned in the support tube. A resilient sheath retaining sleeve sealably covers the opposing openings. The resilient sheath retaining sleeve is movable by the partial vacuum to a retaining position wherein portions of the sleeve extend through the openings and engage the distal end of the sheath to retain the distal end of the sheath in a substantially fixed position relative to the support tube.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover having formed therein a forceps channel and a forceps inlet opening through which a forceps can be inserted into the forceps channel, said forceps inlet opening is selectively closed by a forceps plug which is made of resilient material and separately formed from the insertion section cover. The forceps plug is preferably formed such that it can be detachably secured to a forceps inlet opening of an ordinary coverless (without-cover) endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope cover apparatus including a joint portion for fixing a control portion of an endoscope disposed adjacent to an operator, and extending insertion-portion cover disposed in front of the joint portion, a cover leading member disposed in the leading portion of the insertion-portion cover, a first tubular passage member passing through the cover-type endoscope from the joint portion to the cover leading member to continuously connect opening portions respectively formed in the cover leading member and the joint portion, and a second tubular passage member for continuously connecting the tubular passage of the joint portion to an external device.

Abstract: A cover for a laryngoscope which includes a generally elongated cylindrical handle, a branch member and an insertion member. The cover generally comprises an end sheath, a Y-branch portion connected to the end sheath and two cylindrical sleeves connected to the Y-branch portion. The tapered sheath covers the insertion member and has a closed end. The Y-branch portion covers an area adjacent the joint between the handle and the branch member and preferably comprises an expandable structure. Each of the cylindrical sleeve covers the handle and the branch member, respectively. As a result, the laryngoscope itself is shielded from the contact with the interior of the mouth and the larynx. Once the cover is used, the cover may be discarded. Accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope are substantially facilitated and hygienic operation of the laryngoscope is improved.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a cavity under inspection, a bending portion which is provided in the insertion section near a distal end thereof and is bent in at least up and down directions and an operation section to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section dover for covering the insertion section of the endoscope and having formed therein an insertion section inserting channel into which the insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and conduit channels, the insertion section inserting channel and conduit channels are both crossed by a line which is parallel with the up and down directions, so that the distal end of the insertion section can be correctly bent in the up and down directions without being influenced by the conduit channels.

Abstract: A cover-type endoscope apparatus comprises a cover and a covering endoscope used by being inserted into the cover. At least one hand-side tube line of tube lines forming a plurality of channels provided in the cover has a thickness larger than a thickness of an inserting-side tube line.

Abstract: An endoscopic sheath of the present invention comprising a tubular sheath section having a distal end portion and a hole which extends throughout the length of the sheath section and through which an insert section of an endoscope having observation device can be passed, at least the distal end of the distal end portion opening, and at least the distal end portion being formed of a transparent material, and positioning device for positioning the insert section of the endoscope in the sheath section so that at least part of the distal end portion of the sheath section can be within the view range of the endoscope.

Abstract: An operating portion cover for covering an operating portion of a cover-sheathed endoscope is provided with a finger putting portion to which a finger of the operator can be put in order to operate a movable operating member such as a bending operation knob inside of the operating portion cover. The operator can easily operate the movable member by putting a finger to this operating finger putting portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes an endoscopic tube for insertion into a cavity to be viewed; an optical system including a video camera and illuminating means for viewing the cavity, the image on the screen being a noninverted image; and a removable, rigid, sterilizable or discardable sheath completely enclosing the endoscopic tube and the illuminating means to prevent their exposure to the cavity environment.

Abstract: An endoscope cover according to the present invention has an arrangement that at least a portion of a control-portion cover for covering the control portion of a cover-type endoscope that corresponds to a soft portion of the cover-type endoscope has uniform flexibility that does not deteriorate the flexibility of said soft portion so that the insertion facility at the time of an inspection with the endoscope is maintained. An endoscope system of a type having an endoscope cover according to the present invention has a warp control knob disposed away from the body of a control portion also serving as a holding portion of the cover-type endoscope, the system having an arrangement that a warping mechanism included in the body of the control portion and the warp control knob are connected to each other by a connection member.

Abstract: An end structure of an endoscope includes a front end body of a cylindrical insertion portion to be inserted in a human body, a fluid discharge opening which opens into the front end body, a front end cap detachably attached to the front end body and having a fluid injection nozzle connected to the fluid discharge opening. A projection is provided on the end cap, is fitted in the fluid discharge port, and constitutes at least a part of the fluid injection nozzle.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a flexible tubular body characterized in that a coating layer of aliphatic resins is formed on at least one surface of the outermost layer portion of the flexible tubular body. The coating layer of aliphatic resins is formed by applying a coating agent containing an aliphatic prepolymer on the surface, followed by curing.

Abstract: An endoscope for use with an elastomeric sheath for performing an endoscopic procedure. The endoscope includes a body, an insertion tube extending away from the body and terminating at a distal end portion, and a sheath retainer connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube for releasably retaining the sheath on the insertion tube in a substantially fixed position during the endoscopic procedure. The sheath is an elastomeric member movable between a radially expanded position and a contracted position, and the sheath is biased toward the contracted position. The sheath retainer is a generally C-shaped member having a pair of retaining tabs spaced apart from each other and extending away from an outer surface of the insertion tube's distal end portion to define a working channel retaining area therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscope and tool therefore which provides a shroud for the protection of the viewing end of an endoscope. The shroud is curved and extends forward of and around the viewing end of an endoscope. This configuration vastly reducing tissue traumatization as tissue is "guided" about the smooth curved outer edges of the shroud. Therefore, the surgeon may use the shroud to separate tissue to improve the view through the endoscope without fear of injuring the patient. Further, even though the shroud extends around the viewing end of the endoscope, viewing remains unobscured as there is a cut-away section in the shroud through which the endoscope receives its image. Additionally, the shroud is capable of being equipped with surgical tools to assist in slicing, cauterizing, and biopsy removal, thereby permitting the surgeon to perform more activities and reducing the need for an assisting surgeon.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endoscope cover attaching apparatus including: a cover holding stage for holding an endoscope cover in the form of a straight line, the endoscope cover including an insertion part cover for covering the insertion part of an endoscope, and an insertion part inlet aperture located at an end of said insertion part cover near a hand operation position, wherein a tube is disposed in said endoscope cover; an operation part holding stage for holding the operation part of the endoscope, the endoscope including the insertion part in which an observation optical system is disposed, and the operation part which also serves as a grip of the endoscope; and rotation means for adjusting the rotational position of the operation part of the endoscope relative to the rotational position of the insertion part inlet aperture of the endoscope cover, wherein the rotation means is disposed at least either on the operation part holding stage or on the cover holding stage.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is inserted into a cavity under inspection and an operation section connected to the proximal end of the insertion section, and a protection cover including an insertion section inserting channel which extends from a proximal end to a distal end and into which said insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and a conduit channel which extends from the proximal end to the distal end, the improvement being characterized in that a distal end portion of the insertion section has a non-circular cross section such as a semicircular or oval cross section and a proximal end portion of the insertion section has a substantially circular cross section. A distal end member of the insertion section inserting channel has an accommodating portion which is a corresponding non-circular cross section.

Abstract: The improved endoscope has a detachable tip cover 15 which has at the distal end a tip forming member 5 and a forceps holder 19 that is pivotally mounted in said tip forming member 5, said detachable tip cover 15 being made of an elastic material and detachably mounted over the distal end in such a way as to cover at least part thereof; the endoscope also has means for mounting said detachable tip cover 15 over said distal end and is characterized in that said tip cover 15 is provided with a reinforcement member 28 in the inside, said reinforcement member 28 having an engagement hole 32 which engages a corresponding projection 31 on the tip forming member 5.