Abstract: An endoscope optics including a housing receiving an image-observation device and a tubular stem. The stem is secured to a distal end of the housing. An image transmitting device is mounted inside the stem. The image-observation device is aligned inside the housing with the image transmitting device regarding image position and image center. An insert element is used to adjust the image-observation device and includes an outer contour, which allows stationary affixation to the housing, and an inner, axially continuous borehole, which receives the image-observation device in geometrically interlocking manner. The relative position between the borehole and the outer-wall contour inside the insert element is determined by spatial coordinates ascertained for the particular endoscope optics and specifying the position at which to adjust the image-observation device inside the housing relative to the image transmitting device.

Abstract: The endomicroscope system includes an operation microscope and a flexible image transmission system and is distinguished by the fact that the flexible image transmission system ends in an imaging device (2), which is arranged between the objective lens (10) and the object plane of the operation microscope (1) and can be removed from the beam path.

Abstract: A device for positioning components within endoscopic systems comprises a hermetically sealed housing. An outer ring element is mounted to rotate about the outer side of said housing and carries on its circumference at least one outer magnet. Further, an inner ring element is mounted inside said housing and carries likewise at least one inner magnet, said magnets being aligned in such a way that any rotation of said outer ring element has the effect to move said at least one inner magnet by magnetic coupling, such movement serving the purpose to position said respective components.In order to achieve a simple, relatively small and functionally safe structure it is proposed that both, said outer and said inner ring elements be configured as axially non-displaceable rings carrying said oppositely arranged magnets, and that said inner ring be mechanically connected with said component to be positioned.

Abstract: What is described here is an endoscope including an endoscope optical system and a desiccant which is introduced into and fixed in the mounting space of the endoscope optical system. The invention excels itself by the provisions that the desiccant is present in the form of a plurality of spheres (5) and/or rod-shaped elements which are inserted into at least one recess (4) in the mounting space, and fixed by means of at least one fixing element which contacts the spheres or the rod-shaped elements merely over part of their surface.

Abstract: An endoscope with an eyepiece and an objective lens system used for observing an object in an environmental media. The distal most optical element in the objective lens system is a spherical lens. The spherical lens has a curved distal surface that contacts the environmental media. The objective lens system facilitates the control of the distortion in an image generated by the objective lens system to approximate a reverse distortion of the eyepiece system measured as the distortion in an image generated distally of the eyepiece system of an object positioned proximally of the eyepiece system.

Abstract: A hand held endoscopic viewing system including a viewing assembly, an eyepiece assembly, and a handle is disclosed. The components are releasably mounted for ease of use and cleaning. The viewing assembly incorporates a fiber optic image bundle for carrying an image to the eyepiece assembly. The proximal end of the image bundle terminates in a coupling assembly that couples the eyepiece assembly to the viewing assembly such that the proximal end of the image carrying bundle is held against a window on the eyepiece assembly. The eyepiece assembly includes focusing optics that define a focal plane at the distal plane of the window for focusing and magnifying the image that is carried to the proximal end of the image bundle. The handle includes a light source and a power source and supports the eyepiece assembly and the viewing assembly at two points.

Abstract: An attachment for an endoscope is disclosed, the attachment comprising a flexible extension portion for extending an optical output of the endoscope eyepiece to a remote location for direct visualization at the remote location, a coupling for optically coupling one end of the flexible extension portion to the endoscope, and a mechanism for stably positioning a remote end of the flexible extension portion in front of an eye of a person at the remote location. The flexible extension portion will preferably include a receiving lens for receiving light from the endoscope eyepiece, an elongate, sheathed optical fiber having one end connected to the receiving lens, another eyepiece connected to the remote end of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is of sufficient length and flexibility to permit the receiving lens to be freely rotated and manipulated while the remote eyepiece is stably positioned by the positioning mechanism.

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 endoscope comprising an elongated endoscope body having a distal end, an objective carried by the endoscope body adjacent the distal end and an elongated fiberoptic image guide in the endoscope body for transmitting an image proximally. The objective has a curved proximal surface and the image guide has a curved distal end surface which has a shape which generally conforms to the shape of the curved proximal surface of the objective. These surfaces are in close proximity to provide an interface and an index matching medium is in the interface. The objective provides a curved image plane substantially at the interface and the image plane has a shape which generally conforms to the shape of the curved proximal surface of the objective.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes at least one member fabricated with a material which is capable of deforming in the presence of a deforming agent such as water, organic solvent, air, heat, light, etc. Thus, a disposable surgical endoscope is provided wherein a lens mounting element for aligning a lens assembly of the endoscope with the other optical components of the instrument is fabricated from a polymer which deforms when exposed to, e.g., water or organic solvents. Deformation of the lens mounting element causes the lens assembly to shift out of optical alignment with the other optical components of the device, thereby disabling the instrument.