Universal Cord Connector Device For Endoscope Functions Patents (Class 600/132)
  • Patent number: 8376935
    Abstract: An observed image forming apparatus comprises: an apparatus body including a plurality of connector receivers to which electric connectors of a plurality of observation devices for obtaining an image of an object to be observed can be connected; a cap that is to be mounted to one of said plurality of connector receivers to which any of said plurality of electric connectors is not connected; and a cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit that detects whether or not the cap is mounted to the one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body, wherein, when mounting of the cap has been detected by the cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit, one of the observation devices an electric connector of which is connected to the other one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body is controlled to be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: FUJINON Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Ohki
  • Publication number: 20130035550
    Abstract: A connector system is a connector system including a plug section, and a receptacle section having a concave portion in an inside of which the plug section can be inserted, wherein the plug section includes a flange portion including a first inclined surface portion which increases in diameter toward an extraction direction, and a second inclined surface portion which decreases in diameter toward the extraction direction on an extraction direction side of the first inclined surface portion, in which an inclination angle with respect to an insertion direction of the second inclined surface portion is larger than an inclination angle with respect to the insertion direction of the first inclined surface portion, and the receptacle section includes a ball which is placed to be projectable/retractable from a side surface portion of the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Masaaki WATANABE, Koji OMORI, Masato TODA
  • Patent number: 8333690
    Abstract: On a rigid tip end section at the distal end of an elongated endoscopic insertion member, an observation window washer means is provided to wash an endoscopic optical observation window, along with a fluid injection means to be used for injecting a fluid from an injection passage leading to an injection hole opened on the rigid tip end section of the insertion member. Connection ports to a wash liquid conduit and a compressed air conduit of the observation window washer means are opened at a conduit connection terminal of a multiplex connector on a proximal end of a universal connection cable. Disconnectibly connected to the conduit connection terminal is a conduit coupler member having a wash liquid conduit and a compressed air conduit to supply a wash liquid and compressed air to the wash liquid conduit and compressed air conduit on the side of the conduit connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8317680
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope apparatus body portion which includes a first connector, and which is connectable to an insertion portion having an image pickup device disposed at a distal end portion. The endoscope apparatus further includes a connection unit which includes a second connector which is removably connectable to the endoscope apparatus body portion by communicating the second connector with the first connector, a non-volatile memory which stores a program for processing image data inputted from the image pickup device via the second connector, a CPU which controls the processing of the image data in accordance with the stored program to produce processed data, and a display data output section configured to output the processed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Saichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8197401
    Abstract: A stroboscope module has a coupling with which the stroboscope module can be connected to a light connection of an endoscope. The coupling comprises a sleeve and a base, with the base being arranged in the sleeve displacable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. An elastically deformable cuff having an internal diameter is arranged within the sleeve, into which cuff the light connection of the endoscope can be inserted in the first position. The sleeve and the base compress the cuff in the second position such that the internal diameter of the cuff is reduced and the light connection of the endoscope is locked in the coupling. The sleeve and the base can be locked in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus M. Irion, Clemens Rebholz, Fritz Hensler, Robert Schmid
  • Patent number: 8187175
    Abstract: An endoscope according to an aspect of the invention includes an image pickup connector portion projecting from one end side of an endoscope connector and connected to a first electrical contact of a video processor, and a magnification change connector portion projecting from the other end side of the endoscope connector opposite to the one end side and connected to a second electrical contact of a magnification control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Koichi Yoshimitsu, Takashi Otawara
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8128558
    Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 8125515
    Abstract: An endoscope system, including a plurality of processor devices, each of which having a detachably attached endoscope, and a controller device, which is communicably connected with the plurality of processor devices, is provided. The controller device is capable of outputting at least one of an activating signal to activate at least one of the processor devices and an inactivating signal to inactivate at least one of the processor devices to the at least one of the processor devices. Each of the plurality of processor devices includes a first power supplying unit to supply the processor device with activating power, a power supply controlling unit, which is driven by preparatory power and is capable of at least one of switching on the first power supplying unit and switching off the first power supplying unit, and a second power supplying unit to supply the preparatory power to the power supply controlling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Hibi
  • Patent number: 8088064
    Abstract: An ultrasonic control apparatus has a connector and a connector cover. The connector cover is attached to be slidable between a close position where the connector is covered and an open position where the connector is exposed, and has a press projection. When the connector is set on the press projection and then pressed down together with the connector cover, the connector is exposed and opposed to the connector, and the connectors can be connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromu Itoi
  • Patent number: 8075477
    Abstract: An electric connector for an endoscope, an endoscope, and a method for assembling an electric connector which make it possible to simplify work operations such as operation checks and repairs of the endoscope, as well as to reduce the time for the work operations. An endoscope having an insertion portion, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and a connection cable connected to the operation portion and having an electric connector at a proximal end thereof. The endoscope has a cable wire which is inserted through the endoscope and extends from the electric connector toward a distal end and a connector to which an end portion of the cable wire is releasably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Naohiro Nakamura, Shiori Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 8033992
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus comprises: an intermediate member attached to a first cable of an electronic endoscope; a connector connected to a light source portion or to a processor portion; a second cable extending from the intermediate member and connecting to the connector; and a flexible outer-sheath for the second cable, the flexible outer-sheath comprising a flexible spiral tube and a resin outer skin provided on an exterior of the flexible spiral tube, wherein the flexible spiral tube is formed by spirally winding a strip body having engaging-projections respectively provided on its both side portions, so as to make the engaging-projections be engaged with each other and form a movable space which allows one of the engaging-projections to move with respect to the other one of the engaging-projections, and wherein an entirety of the flexible spiral tube is bendable with expansion and contraction of a space between the engaging-projections within the movable space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Hino
  • Patent number: 8002699
    Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft, a head disposed at a proximal end of said shaft and a light connection disposed at said head. Optical fibers extend from said proximal light connection to a distal end of said shaft. A sleeve in which a proximal end section of said light fibers is fixed is designed in such a way that it can be introduced in a linear movement without turning it into the light connection. Said sleeve is axially movable in said connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Siegfried Hoefig
  • Patent number: 7914443
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided that can reduce examination costs by realizing commonality of an operating unit by making an inserting unit and the operating unit attachable/detachable with respect to each other to enable the exchange of inserting units. The endoscope of this invention includes an operating unit, an inserting unit that can be detachably connected to the operating unit, and transmission and reception coils provided in the operating unit and the inserting unit, respectively, for sending and receiving signals in a non-contact manner between the operating unit and the inserting unit when the inserting unit is connected to the operating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Sumihiro Uchimura, Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Toshiaki Noguchi, Katsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7905831
    Abstract: In a washing/disinfecting tank of an endoscope washing/disinfecting device, an endoscope connection portion to be joined to a connector portion of an endoscope body is provided, and receiving-side bases to be connected to each of pipelines of the endoscope body are provided. In washing/disinfecting the endoscope body, the connector portion is opposed to the endoscope connection portion in the predetermined positioned state, and then, a switch is turned on. Then, an electromagnet disposed at the endoscope connection portion is excited so as to attract and fix the connector portion by a generated magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Noguchi, Eiri Suzuki, Masanori Gocho, Hisashi Kuroshima, Hitoshi Hasegawa, Satoshi Itoya, Akio Ogawa, Noriaki Ito
  • Patent number: 7695429
    Abstract: An endoscope connector device comprises: a first cable of an endoscope, including a light guide for supplying illumination light and an electric wire for obtaining video signals from an image pickup device; a light guide connector connected to the first cable; and a second cable of the endoscope, including the electric wire led out of the light guide connector, wherein the second cable is attached diagonally from the light guide connector at an angle ? within a range of 0°<?<90° from a first cable side of an axial direction of the first cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Hino
  • Patent number: 7678044
    Abstract: A first balloon is fitted to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is fitted to an insertion aid member. An end connector of a tube is connected to a balloon control device that supplies and sucks air into and from the first balloon and the second balloon. A duct that communicates with the first balloon, a duct that communicates with the second balloon, and a duct that communicates with a clearance between the insertion portion and the insertion aid member are formed in the end connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Fujifilm Corporation, SRJ Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Fujikura
  • Patent number: 7645231
    Abstract: An endoscopic fluid supply conduit system for use with an endoscope having an insertion tube and a universal cable connected to and from a manipulating head assembly. A fluid conduit is provided internally of the insertion tube to supply a fluid from a fluid feed port on the manipulating head assembly toward a fluid jet injection port feed port which is provided on a rigid tip end section at the fore distal end of the insertion tube. In addition, a second fluid conduit is provided internally of the universal cable and toward the manipulating head assembly. A fluid supply channel selector is provided at the fluid feed port to which a fluid feed adaptor is to be disconnectibly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Haruo Akiba
  • Patent number: 7641610
    Abstract: An endoscope electric connection device accommodated within a scope connector for connecting an electronic endoscope and an external apparatus, the device including a first band having a first contact portion to which a signal line of a transmission cable for transmitting an image signal from an image pickup unit of the electronic endoscope is connected and a second contact portion to which a ground line of the transmission cable is connected, a second band having a third contact portion connecting to a connector for electrically connecting to the external apparatus and having flexibility, and a transmitting portion provided in the first band and second band for electrically connecting the first contact portion and second contact portion to the third contact portion, wherein the transmitting portion can keep electric connection between the first contact portion and second contact portion and the third contact portion even with the second band bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Naohiro Nakamura, Masaaki Miyagi, Seisuke Takase, Hidenobu Kimura
  • Publication number: 20090259100
    Abstract: An endoscopic system is composed by connecting an endoscope and peripheral equipment. The endoscope has an endoscope main body, and an imaging unit, which is slender imaging optics. The endoscope is constructed so that the endoscope main body and imaging unit are freely connectable and separable. The endoscope main body has an insertion part which is inserted into an abdominal cavity, a branch member, which is a middle end of the endoscope main body, and provided in a proximal end portion of the insertion part, a first extension part provided in the proximal end portion of the branch member, a main body operation unit provided in a proximal end portion of the first extension part, a universal cord, and a connection unit, which is provided in a proximal end portion of the universal cord, and is connected to the peripheral equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicants: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ito, Manabu Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20090234189
    Abstract: An electrical connection portion fixed to an apparatus main body includes a plurality of conductive members and an insulating portion for electrically insulating the conductive members from the apparatus main body in which the conductive members are arranged. The insulating portion covers the circumference of the plurality of conductive members. Further, the insulating portion makes the conductive members arranged side by side in a state where the conductive members are insulated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Kenichi Zen
  • Patent number: 7582056
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an image pickup device, a control unit, signal lines, a first earth electric wire, a light guide and a scope connector. The scope connector is formed by collecting a first electric contact, a first non-contact power transmitting portion serving as a non-contact electromagnetic induction and coupling device, a first non-contact signal transmitting portion, and a first illumination light transmitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Noguchi, Hitoshi Hasegawa, Masanori Gocho, Eiri Suzuki, Hisashi Kuroshima
  • Patent number: 7566301
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope light source unit for making illumination light from a light source incident on an incident end face of a light guide of a scope which is detachably connected to a processor, the endoscope light source unit being built in the processor; a main switch for turning ON the processor; a scope lock lever for activating a lock mechanism for preventing the connected scope from coming off the processor; a light source switch for turning ON and OFF the endoscope light source unit; and a controller for turning ON the endoscope light source unit when one of the main switch and the scope lock lever is operated before the light source switch is operated while the endoscope light source unit is OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: HOYA Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Negishi
  • Publication number: 20090177038
    Abstract: A connector includes a cable attachment ring that fits onto a signal cable, a circuit board attachment part that catches a circuit board, and a connecting pillar that connects the cable attachment ring and the circuit board attachment part. The cable attachment ring is detachable from the signal cable, and the circuit board attachment part is detachable from the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Yashiro, Kazuaki Takahashi, Goki Yamamoto, Ryou Kitano
  • Publication number: 20080281157
    Abstract: A connector includes a flange receiving portion serving as a first standard surface provided on a chassis serving as a stationary base plate, a casing serving as a first connector portion which is supported in a manner to be movable at least in parallel to the flange receiving portion, a flange receiving portion serving as a standard surface which is provided on the casing and is substantially parallel to the flange receiving portion, and a light guide fixing member serving as a second connector portion which is supported in a manner to be movable at least in parallel to the flange receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Masaaki Miyagi, Takashi Sawai
  • Publication number: 20080269560
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes an insertion-section-side body of an endoscope, which serves as a first member, a power unit which serves as a second member having an outer peripheral portion which is surrounded by walls, and having a reception chamber to which the insertion-section-side body is detachably connected, a fluid connection unit which is connected to the insertion-section-side body on an outside of the reception chamber, and a non-fluid connection unit which is connected to the insertion-section-side body on an inside of the reception chamber. Thereby, a medical apparatus is provided, wherein a fluid connection unit for fluid connection of, e.g. air feed and water feed, can be shut off, by a simple structure, from a non-fluid connection unit for non-fluid connection of, e.g. an illumination optical system, a signal line and a driving force system, and the reliability of a water-proof measure is high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Ito, Yutaka Masaki
  • Publication number: 20080249363
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric connector for an endoscope, an endoscope, and a method for assembling an electric connector which make it possible to simplify work operations such as operation checks and repairs of the endoscope, as well as to reduce the time for the work operations. An endoscope in accordance with the present invention has an insertion portion, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and a connection cable connected to the operation portion and having an electric connector at a proximal end thereof. The endoscope has a cable wire which is inserted through the endoscope and extends from the electric connector toward a distal end and a connector to which an end portion of the cable wire is releasably connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicants: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Naohiro Nakamura, Shiori Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 7371209
    Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head which is equipped with a plurality of function-related units such as an optical/lens system, illuminating elements, rinsing nozzles and the like. The endoscope head substantially comprises a plurality of modular plug-in or click-in function-related supports for receiving and/or forming the function-related units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: STM Medizintechnik Starnberg GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Viebach, Fritz Pauker
  • Patent number: 7361140
    Abstract: A connector for a combination cable comprising at least one light guide and several electric lines has body, which can be introduced in the plugging direction into a socket and by means of which the connector can be held in the socket, a light guide holder having a light guide reception channel open at both sides and at least two contact elements in each case connectable to one of the electric lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Joimax GmbH, Blazejewski Medi-Tech GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ries, Reinhold Blazejewski
  • Publication number: 20080086030
    Abstract: An ultrasonic control apparatus has a connector and a connector cover. The connector cover is attached to be slidable between a close position where the connector is covered and an open position where the connector is exposed, and has a press projection. When the connector is set on the press projection and then pressed down together with the connector cover, the connector is exposed and opposed to the connector, and the connectors can be connected with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Hiromu ITOI
  • Publication number: 20080039689
    Abstract: An endoscope according to an aspect of the invention includes an image pickup connector portion projecting from one end side of an endoscope connector and connected to a first electrical contact of a video processor, and a magnification change connector portion projecting from the other end side of the endoscope connector opposite to the one end side and connected to a second electrical contact of a magnification control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Koichi Yoshimitsu, Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 7316646
    Abstract: A video imaging system including an endoscopic device, a camera, a camera control unit and a light source, the camera coupled to the camera control unit and light source via a single cable connection. The cable is advantageously provided as a pair of wires and a light guide where image data and camera information is transmitted over the pair of wires from the camera to the camera control unit, the data and information being multiplexed on the pair of wires; and command signals are sent from the camera control unit to the camera, the command signals based on the received camera information for control of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 7300397
    Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: C2C Cure, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Adler, Ofer Pillar, Arie Blumenzweig, Shai Finkman, David Hanuka
  • Publication number: 20070265498
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for an electronic endoscope system is provided. The connecting mechanism is for detachably connecting a scope and a processor unit of the electronic endoscope system. The connecting mechanism includes a rotational cylinder, a linear movable member, and a sensor. The rotational cylinder locks the scope-side connector section to the processor-side connector section by rotating the rotational cylinder, when the scope-side connector section is docked with the processor-side connector section. The linear movable member is moved linearly along a tangent of the rotational cylinder in cooperation with the rotation of the rotational cylinder. The sensor detects whether the linear movable member has arrived at a predetermined position. The predetermined position corresponds to a locking position where the scope-side connector section and the processor-side connector section are locked together by the rotational cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: PENTAX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunichi ITO
  • Patent number: 7150752
    Abstract: A fitting hole portion of a shaft portion fitted to a mouth ring portion of an endoscope is provided to an attachment portion of a ligation band operation band, and an operation to switch between a flange portion insertion position at which the flange portion of the mouth ring is insertable and an engagement position at which a protrusion portion of the mouth ring portion is engagable is performed by a sliding member slidable with respect to the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Suzuki, Masumi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7128709
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes at least one of a connector on the side of a scope unit and a connector on the side of a fixed unit in a connector portion disposed in an detachable portion of a base unit and the fixed unit of the scope unit is a movable connector, and in the detachable portion, the base unit is connected to the fixed unit by positioning means for positioning the fixed unit side to the base unit side, when the connector on the fixed unit side is connected to that on the base unit side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Saruya
  • Patent number: 7074182
    Abstract: A videoendoscope comprising an inspection probe comprising an inspection tube and a distal endpiece secured to one end of the inspection tube and housing an imaging device; a video processor for processing the electrical signal delivered by the imaging device and for generating a video signal; a control handle comprising a control unit secured to the inspection tube to control the video processor and a display unit secured to a side face of the control unit and including a display screen connected to the video processor; and an umbilical cable having one end secured to the control unit and having its other end connected to a light source and to an electrical power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tokendo
    Inventor: Jean Rovegno
  • Patent number: 7063662
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a supply unit for accommodating medical instruments. A middle part, which is located at an instrument (12) and is equipped with lateral guide surfaces (3), engages a height-adjustable middle part of the supply unit (1) with side cheeks (2) in an accurately fitting manner. So-called end position sensors (4), e.g., photoelectric cells, which send a signal to an evaluating and control unit when the height-adjustable middle part of the supply unit (1) has been moved upward to the extent that pins (14) arranged there are completely accommodated by complementarily designed pin mounts (15) at the middle part of the instrument (12), are provided at the middle part of the supply unit (1). The evaluating and control unit now releases a plug-type connection for the power supply (6, 7), for the data transmission (8, 9) and for the pneumatic supply (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Hartmut Schmidt, Günter Olbrich
  • Patent number: 7041054
    Abstract: An endoscope and stroboscope comprising an elongated rigid tube that includes an inner tube providing an optical path for viewing through said tube by a human being, an LED light source connected to said tube and a fiber optic bundle providing light transmission from said LED through and within said endoscopic and stroboscopic tube providing optical illumination from the distal end of said tube without interfering with the optical view for the user. The LED light source can be varied in intensity. A first end of the fiber optic bundle is a hemispherical concave shape abuts the LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Jack Klootz
  • Patent number: 7018331
    Abstract: An endoscope assembly consisting of an endoscope 622, a light source, 626 and a camera 552 with display 558. The endoscope contains a memory 670 with data that describes the endoscope and its operating characteristics. When the light source is connected to the endoscope with a fiber optic cable 628, the data in the memory are read into a control processor 538a internal to the light source. The control processor, based on the endoscope data configures the light source so that it emits an appropriate amount of light for that endoscope. The light source also sends a control unit 556 of the camera data indicating the type of endoscope to which the camera is attached. Based on this endoscope type data, the control unit processes the image signals generated by the camera head in an appropriate form for the attached endoscope so as to produce appropriate signals for presenting an image on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Huei Liang Chang, Richard A. Beutter
  • Patent number: 7001331
    Abstract: A space through which a cooling fluid flows is provided in the inside of a connection portion between an endoscope and a light source device in order to cool heat generated in the connection portion. For example, a device for performing air supply or air suction (at least either one of air supply and air suction) in the endoscope communicates with the space, and cooling is effected by the flow of air formed by the device. In a preferred example of a cooling method, when neither air supply nor air suction is needed during manipulation of the endoscope, the device and the space are connected to each other to effect cooling, and when air supply or air suction is needed, the flow of air used for cooling is intercepted, and is exclusively directed to an air channel in the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihide Kaji
  • Patent number: 6960161
    Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 6875169
    Abstract: A coupling device for a light and image guiding system that is keyed to prevent incorrect attachment of light and image guides and an interlock that lockingly engages the light and image guides together in an engaged position, the coupling device attached to a portable camera unit that translates optical signals into an electronic format for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: George Berci, Marshal B. Kaplan, James P. Barry, David Chatenever, Klaus M. Irion, Andre Erhardt, Jurgen Rudischhauser, Daniel Mattsson-Boze
  • Publication number: 20040171913
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of the present invention is here disclosed wherein at least one of a connector on the side of a scope unit and a connector on the side of a fixed unit in a connector portion disposed in an detachable portion of a base unit and the fixed unit of the scope unit is a movable connector, and in the detachable portion, the base unit is connected to the fixed unit by positioning means for positioning the fixed unit side to the base unit side, when the connector on the fixed unit side is connected to that on the base unit side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Saruya
  • Publication number: 20040158128
    Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising an elongated insert portion having flexibility, the insert portion being inserted into a space targeted for inspection, a connector portion linked with a proximal end side of the insert portion and having a unit which controls flexible bending and image acquisition of the insert portion mounted thereon, an apparatus main body which controls the connector portion, and an endoscope housing case which houses the insert portion and connector portion and the apparatus main body therein, the endoscope apparatus having an insert portion housing member in which the endoscope main body having the connector portion and apparatus main body assembled with each other is attachable to/detachable from the endoscope housing case, and which is attachable to/detachable from the endoscope main body while the insert portion is held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Shinji Fujikawa, Kiyoshi Miyake, Nobuyuki Motoki
  • Publication number: 20040106851
    Abstract: In a video imaging system a camera generates image data. A control unit controls the camera and a channel transmits a control signal in the nature of camera operating information and image data from the camera to the control unit. A light guide transmits light to an object, wherein the camera is receptive of light reflected off of the object thereby generating the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 6699181
    Abstract: The LG connector is composed of the proximal portion and the case body. The frame is supported by the proximal portion, and the universal cable and the control cable are fixed to this frame. Watertightness between the universal cable and the case body is maintained at an abutting surface which is orthogonal to the axis thereof, and watertightness between the control cable and the case body is maintained at the outer peripheral surface thereof. Thereby, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the assembly operation without deteriorating the watertightness of the LG connector. Also, the proximal portion is provided with the joint to be connected to the optical apparatus, and on this joint, the light guide bar is projectedly provided. Inside the proximal portion, the guide portion which guides the light guide to the insertion port of the light guide bar is projectedly formed. This guide portion enables the light guide to be easily installed without damaging the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumihide Wako
  • Patent number: 6689050
    Abstract: An endoscope (22) with an elongated shaft (23) and a light post (58). One or more sensed elements are fitted to the light post. The sensed elements may be magnets (432). The sensed elements may be mounted in an adapter (126) that is removably attached to the light post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Beutter, Huei Liang Chang, YanPeng Ng, Bader-Eddine Bellahsene
  • Patent number: 6679835
    Abstract: The endoscope device comprises an endoscope suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization, an endoscope not suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization, an external endoscope device to which these endoscopes are connected, and an identification part for identifying whether the endoscope is suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20030163025
    Abstract: A space through which a cooling fluid flows is provided in the inside of a connection portion between an endoscope and a light source device in order to cool heat generated in the connection portion. For example, a device for performing air supply or air suction (at least either one of air supply and air suction) in the endoscope communicates with the space, and cooling is effected by the flow of air formed by the device. In a preferred example of a cooling method, when neither air supply nor air suction is needed during manipulation of the endoscope, the device and the space are connected to each other to effect cooling, and when air supply or air suction is needed, the flow of air used for cooling is intercepted, and is exclusively directed to an air channel in the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihide Kaji