With Particular Operating Handle Design (e.g., For Comfort) Patents (Class 600/131)
  • Patent number: 8911356
    Abstract: An insertion portion, an operation portion, a signal cable, a plate-shaped member, an electric board, and a fixing member are included. The fixing member is formed into a U-shape in which a bottom surface, a top surface, a side surface and a fitting port are formed, and has a stopper for a surplus portion that is fitted in an inside formed, a distance between the bottom surface and the top surface is set to be slightly larger than a diameter in the surplus portion, and the surplus portion is configured not to be disposed in layers in a height direction of the side surface when the surplus portion is housed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Shiho Matsukawa, Kazuhiko Hino, Takafumi Kubo
  • 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: 8876705
    Abstract: The invention provides a medical endoscope including a control handle (2) provided with a control mechanism and that, by means of an attachment system, is temporarily attached to a consumable medical instrument (3) including: at least one flow circuit for a fluid, a portion of which circuit extends along an insertion tube, the fluid circuit including a connector fitting accessible independently from the handle; an actuation system for actuating the head of the insertion tube, which actuation system is driven by the control mechanism after the handle and the consumable medical instrument have been attached together; in accordance with the invention, the control handle (2) and the consumable medical instrument (3) respectively have a first portion and a second portion of a closure device, which portions co-operate with each other in the attached position to close off at least one fluid flow circuit in controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Axess Vision Technology
    Inventors: Nicolas Mathieu, Olivier Fructus
  • Patent number: 8864656
    Abstract: An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a main section at a proximal end of the shaft, where the main section forms a handle of the endoscope; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the main section comprising a control lever pivotably connected to the main section at a pivot and extending away from the pivot in a general cantilever fashion, and a lock lever pivotably connected to the control lever. A first end of the lock lever is configured to contact the main section. A second end of the lock lever is configured to be pressed inward on the control lever towards the main section to pivot the first end out of contact with the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Konstorum
  • Patent number: 8858427
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an image pickup section configured to pick up an image of inside of the subject; an operation portion configured to be connected to the insertion portion; a grasping portion configured to be able to be grasped by an operator, the grasping portion being connected to the operation portion and provided such that an axis in a longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the insertion portion; a protruding portion provided on a surface on the insertion portion side of the grasping portion, the protruding portion protruding so as to form an acute angle with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion, on the insertion portion side; and a switch portion provided on the protruding portion and disposed at an angle which makes a right angle with respect to the acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8840544
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part having an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion and which is bendable and elongated; a display part which displays an image acquired by an imaging mechanism; a manipulating part which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which the display part and the manipulating part are provided to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face. The housing is capable of being self-supported in a state where the edge of the back face at the display part, and a connecting portion between the insertion part and the housing are brought into contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hosaka, Yoshihisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8834357
    Abstract: A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device and an actuation system including an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis) to move the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position along the second axis (or about the first axis) to move the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Oskin, Isaac Ostrovsky, David W. Robertson, Michael Barenboym
  • Patent number: 8795160
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part which has an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion and which is bendable and elongated; a display part which displays an image acquired by the imaging mechanism; a manipulating part which has a swinging body and which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which provides the display part and the manipulating part to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hosaka, Yoshihisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8790250
    Abstract: An endoscope (1) 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 a user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a handle (2) arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope, an insertion portion (3) arranged at the distal end of the handle, a bending portion (4) arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, and two control wires (40,41) arranged between the handle and the bending portion, said control wires being used to control the bending of the bending portion via control inputs made at the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventors: Lasse Kjeld Gjoeske Petersen, Louise Wagner Petersen
  • Publication number: 20140187863
    Abstract: An endoscope controlling device includes a rigid tube mounted to an end face of a base and in communication with a compartment in the base. A positioning groove is formed in an inner periphery of the base and includes a bottom wall having a slot. A linear displacement control module includes a control member and a movable board. The control member is aligned with a through-hole in a periphery of the base. The control member controls longitudinal movement of the movable board in the compartment along a longitudinal axis of the base via a driving gear. An optical element receiving drum is mounted to the movable board. A rotational movement control module is mounted around the optical element receiving drum and received in the positioning groove of the base. A portion of the rotational movement control module is extended through the slot and exposed outside of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: METAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
    Inventors: Cheng-Wen Lin, Wei-Jen Shih, Yen-Nien Chen, Tzyy-Ker Sue, Pei-Yuan Lee, Hung-Wen Huang, Chien-Sheng Lo
  • Patent number: 8764638
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Al Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schwartz, Richard Schwartz, Harsha Setty
  • Patent number: 8758233
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a control method input section provided in a bending operation input unit and configured to input a control method of a bending operation, and a control method detector provided in an operation section body and configured to detect the input control method of the bending operation. The endoscope includes an activated portion provided in the bending operation input unit and configured to change its activated state in response to the bending operation in a bending operation input section, an activated state detector provided in the operation section body and configured to detect the activated state of the activated portion, and a drive member provided in the operation section body and configured to be driven in accordance with the detected control method and the detected activated state, thereby bending a bending section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yutaka Masaki, Keijiro Omoto, Keiichi Arai, Haruhiko Ueno, Tsugio Okazaki, Toshimasa Kawai
  • Patent number: 8758230
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part which has an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion; a display part which displays an image acquired by an observation mechanism, a manipulating part which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which accommodates the display part and the manipulating part to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face. The manipulating part has a swingable first joystick; and a curving mechanism having the first joystick and a manipulating member connected thereto. The swinging center of the first joystick is located inside a region specified by a portion where fingers are arranged in a side view of the housing when a user holds the housing, and by a distal end of the first joystick protruding toward the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hosaka, Yoshihisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8679004
    Abstract: An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a handle at a proximal end of the shaft; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the handle. The control member is adapted to be moved to a selected location by a single finger of a user and thereby deflect the distal end. The control member is adapted to be locked at the user selected location by movement of the control member to a locked position by the single finger of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Konstorum
  • Patent number: 8678999
    Abstract: A hysteroscope includes a base and a handle attached to the base. The handle has a first trigger and a second trigger. An outer barrel is attached to the base. The outer barrel has a plurality of channels. An actuatable tool is located within at least one channel. The first trigger is in communication with the actuatable tool for extending the tool from within the at least one channel. The second trigger in communication with the actuatable tool for actuating the tool. The hysteroscope may further include a third trigger to pivot a distal portion of the outer barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith B. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 8676290
    Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter, a sheath, a medical device, or other flexible elongate member may generally include a handle portion, a pair of adjusting knobs, and deflection wires. The adjusting knobs may be rotatably coupled to the handle portion and operably coupled to the deflection wires. The deflection wires may be in further communication with the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knobs may translate or otherwise displace particular deflection wires with respect to the rest of the flexible elongate member, thereby causing the distal portion of the flexible elongate member to deflect. Further, the deflection wires may be oriented such that the distal portion of the flexible elongate member may be deflected in a multitude of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 8636721
    Abstract: A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Henry M. Jackson Foundation For The Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Alam, Peter Rhee, Emily Rhee
  • Patent number: 8636647
    Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Transcend Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Richard S. Lilly
  • Patent number: 8632460
    Abstract: Method and surgical instrument for treating prostate tissue including a surgical instrument having a main body, a needle deployment port, a needle, first and second handles and a lockout release mechanism to limit needle extension. Additionally, a kit includes the surgical instrument, together with a cystoscope, and optionally a syringe and reservoir of ethanol. The method includes needle-less injection and visualizing the ethanol injection by delivering both an echogenic agent and ethanol either by needle or needle-less injection or by providing an ultrasonically visible marker near the tip of the ethanol delivery cannula. The method also includes extending the needle transversely of the instrument housing using a link assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney F. Hauschild, Stephen L. Bolea, Johann J. Neisz
  • Patent number: 8602967
    Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8556801
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an endoscope and a surgical instrument guide device. An elongated surgical instrument is allowed to insert through a working channel of the endoscope to cooperate with a processor module of the endoscope. The surgical instrument guide device includes a base member, an adjustment member, a catch, a cap member, fasteners, and a tubing. Pegs of the catch are fitted in positioning holes of the base member. A tube of the endoscope is inserted through the tubing of the surgical instrument guide device so as to dispose in close proximity to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jung-Tung Liu
  • Patent number: 8540624
    Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic surgery, with a housing having a grip element and a shaft-receiving element, the grip element having a fixed grip part and a pivotable grip part, and the shaft-receiving element being intended to receive and lock the proximal end of a tubular shaft, with a tool at the distal end of the shaft, and with an actuation member extending through the shaft and being longitudinally movable therein, or with a slide piece acting on the actuation member. The actuation member engages in the shaft-receiving element of the housing and is coupled to the grip part mounted pivotably on the housing, so that a pivoting of the grip part causes a longitudinal movement of the actuation member and an actuation of the tool. The grip element of the housing is rotatable relative to the shaft-receiving element of the housing about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Guenter Bissinger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Bissinger
  • Patent number: 8523764
    Abstract: A remote viewing device including a hand-holdable control unit. The control unit supports a display device and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is removably attached to the control unit and provides mechanical power to an insertion tube. A distal end of the insertion tube includes an inspection head for insertion into a structure for imaging the interior of the structure. The insertion tube is removably attached to the drive assembly by a connector assembly, where the connector assembly is operable, when attached, to convey mechanical power from the drive assembly for moving the articulated tip in response to a user input at the control unit, and to convey images from the inspection head to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Gary L. Hensley
  • Patent number: 8517922
    Abstract: A socket section 72 for providing a first light guide 13 is supported movably in an endoscope main body 4, and a plug section 62 for fixing a second light guide 15 is disposed in an endoscope insertion section 5. The socket section 72 is configured to move freely in an insertion direction of the endoscope insertion section 5 and to a direction orthogonal with respect to the insertion direction. Furthermore, an attachment-detachment-detecting switch 33 is disposed in the endoscope main body 4 so as to detect that the endoscope insertion section 5 has been separated from the endoscope main body 4 before the plug section 62 is freely detached from the socket section 72. By this configuration, it is possible to attach the endoscope insertion section from the endoscope main body and detach them easily and reliably, in particular, to reduce loss of light caused by the attachment and the detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Masanobu Koitabashi, Mitsuhiro Ito, Yasukazu Kogen
  • Patent number: 8517984
    Abstract: A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Barenboym, Isaac Ostrovsky, Jozef Slanda, Christopher Oskin
  • Patent number: 8512350
    Abstract: The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well as relative to an additional medical device, such as an endoscope, and handles that allow an operator to simultaneously manipulate an endoscope and an additional medical device without the help of an assistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim E. Ward
  • Publication number: 20130211197
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a wiping section that is provided at a tip part of an insertion section and is pivoted to wipe off extraneous matter adhering to an observation surface provided at a tip part of a lens the endoscope through a grip section and the insertion section. An axial member is inserted through the insertion section and is connected to the wiping section. An operation section is provided over a whole circumference of a tip end of the grip section in a longitudinal direction of the grip section, is connected to the axial member, and operates the wiping section through the axial member. A center axis of the operation section is coaxial to a center axis of an endoscope when the endoscope is inserted through the grip section and the insertion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130190566
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a first bending portion that is operated and bent, a function portion that is operated to be capable of performing a predetermined function, a grasping portion including a long axis provided to extend from a distal end portion through a proximal end portion, a first rotation body capable of operating the first bending portion, a second rotation body capable of operating the function portion, and an operation portion main body provided at a proximal end side of the grasping portion, with the second rotation body being disposed at a side where a palm of a hand is located when the grasping portion is grasped with the hand, with the second rotation body facing the first rotation body with the long axis therebetween, and a second shaft being located at a proximal end side from a first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
  • Patent number: 8479739
    Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Cooper Health System
    Inventor: Robert Hirsh
  • Patent number: 8460182
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: EndoSee Corporaton
    Inventors: Xiaolong Ouyang, Paul D. Indman, Robert K. Deckman, Shih-Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20130144125
    Abstract: An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a main section at a proximal end of the shaft, where the main section forms a handle of the endoscope; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the main section comprising a control lever pivotably connected to the main section at a pivot and extending away from the pivot in a general cantilever fashion, and a lock lever pivotably connected to the control lever. A first end of the lock lever is configured to contact the main section. A second end of the lock lever is configured to be pressed inward on the control lever towards the main section to pivot the first end out of contact -with the main section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventor: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8409080
    Abstract: Systems and methods permit remote endoscope handle manipulation. This can include a control housing configured to removably attach to an endoscope. A manipulator, associated with the housing, can be configured to engage with a control device of the endoscope with the endoscope attached to the housing. An actuator, drivingly coupled with the manipulator, can be configured to move the manipulator to operate the control device with the endoscope attached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Andrew A. Gumbs, Luca Milone
  • Patent number: 8403831
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a display portion coupled to an operation portion, configured to be moved relative to the operation portion and configured to display an observation image obtained by the endoscope apparatus, a bending operation portion provided at the operation portion and configured to be moved in a basic direction relative to the operation portion wherein the bending operation portion is configured to be moved in an additional direction different from the basic direction, and a movement driving mechanism configured to move the display portion relative to the operation portion according to movement of the bending operation portion in the additional direction relative to the operation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Shigeyasu Kishioka
  • Patent number: 8388518
    Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Armen P. Sarvazyan, Aleksandr Pasechnik, Sergey Tsyuryupa, Vladimir Egorov
  • Patent number: 8388523
    Abstract: A portable medical diagnostic instrument includes an instrument head and a handle portion having an open-ended receiving cavity. A compact illuminator defined by a housing retaining a miniature light source and a power supply is releasably fitted within the open-ended receiving cavity of the handle portion wherein the light source of the illuminator is optically coupled with the instrument on assembly therewith. The handle portion can be integral with the instrument or releasably attached. The handle portion according to at least one version is made from a plastic or other suitable material, permitting disposability and/or single patient use. In one version, the handle portion is flexibly deformable, at least partially, to facilitate release of the portable illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Vivenzio, Raymond A. Lia, Ian K. Edwards, Thaddeus Wawro, Steven R. Slawson
  • Patent number: 8366604
    Abstract: An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a handle at a proximal end of the shaft; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the handle. The control member is adapted to be moved to a selected location by a single finger of a user and thereby deflect the distal end. The control member is adapted to be locked at the user selected location by movement of the control member to a locked position by the single finger of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Konstorum
  • Patent number: 8353815
    Abstract: An instrument for an endoscope includes an insertion portion inserted into an instrument insertion channel of the endoscope, and a pair of biopsy cups provided at the distal end of the insertion portion so as to be able to be openable and closable. Also, an operation portion for operating the paired biopsy cups is provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion. The operation portion is provided with a hook, and an engaged member engageable with the hook is attached to a part protruding out from the endoscope, of the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Okada
  • Patent number: 8337424
    Abstract: A medical guidewire system for guiding thereon a medical implement includes an end effector, an actuation guidewire having a distal end permanently connected to the end effector, and a control assembly. The assembly has a handle, a shaft receiving the guidewire. The shaft has a proximal end permanently connected to the handle and a distal end temporarily connected to the end effector. A first actuator is movably connected to the handle and operatively connected to the guidewire to actuate the end effector. A second actuator is movably connected to the handle and operatively connected to a portion of the guidewire to disconnect the guidewire from the handle when actuated and, thereby, permit removal of the control assembly from the end effector and guidewire. When the control assembly is removed, the end effector and the guidewire form a surgical exchange or guidewire for guiding thereon the medical implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Palmer, Kevin W. Smith, Carlos Rivera, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 8337398
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of medicine, in particular diagnostics and surgery. By applying endoscopy in the diagnostics and surgery sector, surgical instruments, apparatus or processes are used for examining the interior of living organisms and/or for operative interventions. As such, said invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular a surgical instrument, for use in the endoscopy, comprising a tubular element, work element and an operating element. The operating element advantageously consists of an ergonomic axial grip with an integrated locking mechanism and an instrument shaft cleaning connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiomedical GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Wiedenbein
  • Patent number: 8337393
    Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Transcend Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silverstrini, Richard S. Lilly
  • Patent number: 8333689
    Abstract: A medical operation device is attachable to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okamoto, Kazuo Banju
  • Patent number: 8323182
    Abstract: An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Harish M. Manohara, Anna Liao, Youngsam Bae, Hrayr Karnig Shahinian
  • Patent number: 8317689
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Visionscope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Paul Remijan, Denis LaBombard
  • Patent number: 8287449
    Abstract: An endoscope device having a control unit and a bendable probe unit arranged at the distal end of a wire extending from the control unit. The control unit includes a ball shaft and a control lever arranged on the ball shaft. The ball shaft includes a ball member and an outer case that encases the ball member and rotates along the outer peripheral surface of the ball member when the control lever is tilted. The wire is attached to the outer case. The construction facilitates control unit operation, which reduces inspection time and improves inspection accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ARS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120245414
    Abstract: A handle 1 for controlling instruments, includes a frame 2 with a center line 9, operating elements 4, 10, 24 that are connected to the frame 2, which operating elements 4, 10, 24 are movable between a first and a second position, an actuator element 6 that is controllable by the operating elements 4, 10, 24, which actuator element 6 is constructed and arranged for controlling an instrument 53 that is arranged at a distance from the handle 1. The operating elements 4, 10, 24 are arranged in a rotationally symmetric configuration that is concentric with the center line 9 of the frame 2. An endoscopic instrument 60 including a tube like element 50, a tool 53 and a handle 1, and an assembly 80 including an endoscopic instrument 60 and an endoscope 70 are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: FORTIMEDIX B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Antonius Elisabeth Verbeek
  • Patent number: 8251891
    Abstract: A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a body having a proximal end, which is hand manipulated, and a distal end which includes a manipulator. A light emitting device is centrally disposed at the distal end. An imaging device is centrally disposed at the distal end for imaging at least a portion of the region illuminated by the light emitting device. Also disclosed is a tool for extracting an artificial lumbar disc from between a pair of vertebral plates. The extraction tool includes a handle, a member for transmitting force, and a sharpened end, specially configured to be placed between the artificial disc and the vertebral plate. Further disclosed is a tool for implanting or explanting a ball to or from an artificial lumbar disc. The implanter/explanter includes a pinion shaft and a pinion shaft enclosure. A tightening knob is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft enclosure and coupled to the pinion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Nathan Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 8182416
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert portion, a display portion, a manipulation portion, a casing that houses the display portion and the manipulation portion at a front side, and to which the insert portion is connected at a back side, and a battery. The casing has an upper portion in which the display portion is housed and a lower portion in which the manipulation portion is housed. At least a portion of a back side of the lower portion is convex. The insert portion is connected to the convex portion of the back side of the lower portion at a position such that the insert portion extends between fingers of a single hand when a user holds the lower portion. And an opening for inserting and removing the battery is provided in a back side of the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hosaka, Yoshihisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8177710
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert portion, a display portion, a manipulation portion, a casing which houses the display portion and the manipulation portion at a front side, and to which the insert portion is connected at a back side, and a battery. The casing has an upper portion in which the display portion is housed and a lower portion in which the manipulation portion is housed. The insert portion is connected to the lower portion and extends from the lower portion in a first direction. And a line connecting a center of gravity of the battery and a center of gravity of the casing while the battery is housed in the casing extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Hosaka, Yoshihisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8162823
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body having a protector which is provided so as to project from the outer surface of a box-shaped housing, and an endoscope unit including a connector portion detachably attached to the housing, thereby reducing a shock applied to the housing and preventing damage of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120088972
    Abstract: A change-out handle system is provided for releasably coupling two elongated, axially relatively displaceable functional parts to a medical instrument unit. The change-out handle system includes a first and a second handle part disposed axially relatively displaceably, a first coupler for releasably axially rigidly immovably coupling a first of the two functional parts to the first handle part and a second coupler for releasably, axially rigidly immovably coupling the second of the two functional parts to the second handle part. The second handle part has a pass-through opening for passing at least the first of the two functional parts. The change-out handle system can be used, for example, for medical solids trapping instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Urotech Medizinische Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfhard PINKOWSKI, Bernhard Uihlein, Dieudonne Mbarga, Werner Schwarz