View Field Altering Means Patents (Class 600/173)
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Patent number: 6929603Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an input end. The housing tube contains an input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. A control varies the position of the input assembly to change the viewing position of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the control uses external master magnets that rotate around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing to drive internal slave magnets magnetically. This permits the housing to be sealed completely. In certain embodiments, a cam-axle assembly translates the rotational motion of the internal slave magnets to linear motion that drives a push rod that manipulates the input assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Durell & Gitelis, Inc.Inventor: William E. Durell
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Patent number: 6930705Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus has an objective optical system arranged in a rigid endoscope for forming an image, a first image re-forming optical system for re-forming a part of the image once formed through the objective optical system on an image pickup surface of a first CCD camera and a second image re-forming optical system which re-forms an image once formed through an objective optical system on an image pickup surface of a second CCD camera. A second monitor displays the image picked up by the second CCD camera added with a rectangular frame indicating size and amplitude of the area corresponding to the image picked up by the first CCD camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Chinari Tanaka
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Patent number: 6916286Abstract: An endoscope includes an imaging probe, positioned at the distal end of the elongated member; a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe; and an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism. The imaging probe includes an objective lens, an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens, and a light source for illuminating a target. Upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventor: Yuri Kazakevich
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Patent number: 6908307Abstract: A dental camera is provided having multiple lenses. The dental camera has at least a first lens for use in an intra-oral mode, and at least a second lens for use in an extra-oral mode. The dental camera is switchable between the intra-oral mode and the extra-oral mode. Each lens is associated with an image sensor, for example, a CMOS active pixel sensor or a charge-coupled device.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Schick TechnologiesInventor: David B. Schick
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Patent number: 6895270Abstract: A method for imaging an object is disclosed. The method may include transmitting light in a predetermined wavelength range through an optical transmitter to a prism, applying an electromagnetic field to the prism, and passing said light through the prism. The prism may be configured to have an index of refraction that varies with changes in the applied electromagnetic field and that remains substantially constant with changes in wavelength of light over the predetermined wavelength range such that said light exiting from said prism deflects at a substantially controlled angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Isaac Ostrovsky
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Publication number: 20040254423Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Mark L. Adams
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Publication number: 20040236183Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an input end. The housing tube contains an input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. A control varies the position of the input assembly to change the viewing position of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the control uses external master magnets that rotate around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing to drive internal slave magnets magnetically. This permits the housing to be sealed completely. In certain embodiments, a cam-axle assembly translates the rotational motion of the internal slave magnets to linear motion that drives a push rod that manipulates the input assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Durell & Gitelis, Inc.Inventor: William E. Durell
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Patent number: 6817976Abstract: A deviated distal viewing endoscope is disclosed, wherein the rotation of the probe rotation control ring controls the rotation of the endoscopic probe as well as the rotation of a rotating tube housed in the handle and in the distal end of which a deviator prism is housed; the rotation of a focusing control ring controls the translation of the ring that acts to house the ocular lens; and the rotation of the ring controls the translation of a first cylindrical mount housing an ocular lens; and the rotation of a viewing angle variation control ring controls the translation of a second cylindrical mount integral with a cylindrical maneuvering tube, a longitudinal displacement of which controlling the tilting of the deviator prism of the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Tokendo (S.A.R.L.)Inventor: Jean Rovegno
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Publication number: 20040181148Abstract: Before performing observation with an optical scanning probe using a low-coherence light source and the like, a shutter is inserted in a reference light side optical path to create a state wherein interference light does not occur, in which state a reference member is set to a focal position of a converging optical system such that the output of a light detector is maximal by moving the reference member by a driving device at an observation light optical path side of an optical scanning probe, following which the shutter is opened, and the position of a mirror at the reference light side is moved and set such that the output of the light detecting means is maximal, thereby enabling the optical scanning observation apparatus to be set to a state of suitable optical properties, easily and smoothly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Akio Uchiyama, Akihiro Horii, Shuhei Iizuka, Tadashi Hirata, Mitsuhiro Hara, Yoshiyuki Kumada, Kazunari Tokuda
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Patent number: 6767321Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be viewed through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope included multiple imaging assemblies disposed in a direction non-parallel to the axis of the laparoscope. The imaging assemblies are disposed in a fixed orientation relative. Selection and processing means are included for enabling the user to select a left imaging assembly and a right imaging assembly from three or more imaging assemblies. The left and right views provide three dimensional or stereoscopic viewing, and the distance between at least two assemblies can be greater than the diameter of the laparoscope.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventors: Robert Czarnek, Jack Kolff
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Publication number: 20040127769Abstract: An interface for a variable direction of view endoscope having an input device for receiving commands from the user, an output device for adjusting the endoscope, and an electronic processing device to determine the appropriate output based on the given input. The processing device may be configured to allow operation assisting features including a coordinate system aligned with the current view, a coordinate system aligned with the user's surroundings, a coordinate system aligned with the operating cavity, a memory to facilitate the immediate return to a user selected direction of view, and a clear indication of the current direction of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Hoeg
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Publication number: 20040097791Abstract: An endoscope includes an optical system for endoscope observation arranged in an edge of an inserting portion which can be inserted in a specimen, an optical system for microscopic observation which microscopically observes an observing portion of the specimen, a moving mechanism for adjusting an angle of view which changes the angle of view by moving a part of the optical system for endoscope observation, and a focal-point adjusting mechanism which is arranged in the edge of the inserting portion and which moves a focal point on the side of a subject in the optical system for microscopic observation, wherein the moving mechanism for adjusting the angle of view and the focal-point adjusting mechanism are arranged forward and backward of the same axis to the inserting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventors: Kazunari Tokuda, Tadashi Hirata, Yoshiyuki Kumada
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Patent number: 6736773Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Mark L. Adams
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Patent number: 6695774Abstract: A control and indicator apparatus for a variable direction-of-operation endoscopic instrument comprises a handle, a coinciding pointer, and a linking system connecting the handle to the endoscopic instrument. The handle affords the user intuitive and integrated control of the available degrees of freedom and the pointer conveys to the user the direction and orientation of the endoscopic working vector by shadowing its movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: EndActive, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Høeg
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Patent number: 6670983Abstract: This electric mask generating apparatus reads mask bit string generation data, which has a configuration of one pixel per bit and is set in ROM, by a microcomputer, develops the mask bit string generation data in RAM, and thereafter writes the mask bit string generation data in mask generation memory. This electric mask generating apparatus reads a mask signal in this mask generation memory by a microcomputer, and mixes an image signal of an object with the above-described mask signal by using a shift register or the like in a mask-mixing circuit. According to the mask signal having this configuration of one pixel per bit, since it is possible to write the mask signal in the above-described mask generation memory during the time that is one-eighth of conventional write time, it becomes possible to quickly display an image to which a normal mask or a scaled mask is given.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Abe
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Publication number: 20030233029Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device farther comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Sergei V. Alekseenko, Aleksey R. Evseev, Peter Y. Belousov, Andrey P. Belousov, Lev Diamant, Yuri N. Dubnistchev, Dmitriy M. Markovich, Vladimir G. Meledin, Aleksander V. Staroha
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Patent number: 6663559Abstract: An interface for a variable direction of view endoscope having an input device for receiving commands from the user, an output device for adjusting the endoscope, and an electronic processing device to determine the appropriate output based on the given input. The processing device may be configured to allow operation assisting features including a coordinate system aligned with the current view, a coordinate system aligned with the user's surroundings, a coordinate system aligned with the operating cavity, a memory to facilitate the immediate return to a user selected direction of view, and a clear indication of the current direction of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: EndActive, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Høeg
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Patent number: 6648816Abstract: The present invention describes a device for intracorporal, minimal-invasive treatment of a patient, comprising a working instrument that can be introduced into a body cavity of the patient for carrying out a treatment step, wherein a distal end of the introduced working instrument defines an intracorporal working area, and at least one image pick-up unit for picking up an image of the intracorporal working area, further comprising positioning means for orienting an optical axis of the image pick-up unit in dependency on a spatial position of the intracorporal working area, wherein the positioning means comprise a guide shaft, in which the working instrument is guided, and wherein the image pick-up unit is pivotably fixed at an intracorporal portion of the guide shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus M. Irion, Peter Schwarz, Mark Kocher
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Patent number: 6648817Abstract: A variable direction-of-view endoscope (74) with a spherical viewing window (34) symmetric about a symmetry plane (52) sealed to a distal end portion (18). The endoscope optical system can be adjusted to vary the direction of a view vector (22) through an unlimited range (50) about a pivot axis (23). The spherical viewing window (34) enables a process that switches the device between an initial configuration (54) and a final configuration (56), both having the same viewing direction (55). In addition to providing the user with an alternative to a possibly unfavorable viewpoint, this redundancy enables a stereo imaging process which captures (66) and displays (72) a stereo image pair (70) affording the user three-dimensional viewing.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: EndActive, Inc.Inventors: Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Høeg, Eric L. Hale
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Patent number: 6638216Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or similar instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes a housing tube with an object input end. The housing tube contains an object input assembly and a portion of a light relay assembly. The object input assembly includes an input lens and a first mirror. In some embodiments, the object input assembly includes a second mirror, and in alternative embodiments, the object input assembly includes a prism. The object input assembly passes images received from a viewing area to an object relay assembly that transmits the image object to the control end of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the light relay assembly is formed of two mirrored rods. A control varies the position of the object input assembly to change the a viewing position of the arthroscope. In some embodiments, the control includes a push rod driven by a slide and cam/axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Durell & Gitelis, Inc.Inventor: William E. Durell
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Publication number: 20030191369Abstract: An omnidirectional endoscope device 1 is provided at a distal end part of an insertion section 12 of an endoscope 10 with an omnidirectional light receiving unit 20 for receiving an incident light from all around the periphery in the peripheral direction and reflecting the light toward a relay lens optical system 13. The insertion section 12 slidably pierces through a retaining cylinder 33. A light guide 35 (illumination light transmitting means) is embedded in the retaining cylinder 33, and an outgoing surface at the distal end of this light guide 35 is faced with a distal end face of the retaining cylinder 33. The retaining cylinder 33 can be operated in a sliding manner by a grip 31 disposed at the basal end. By this, the illumination light can strike upon the view field of the omnidirectional light receiving mechanism regardless whether the inside space of an image to be observed is large or small.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventors: Minoru Arai, Kunihiko Miyagi
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Publication number: 20030191364Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be viewed through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope included multiple imaging assemblies disposed in a direction non-parallel to the axis of the laparoscope. The imaging assemblies are disposed in a fixed orientation relative. Selection and processing means are included for enabling the user to select a left imaging assembly and a right imaging assembly from three or more imaging assemblies. The left and right views provide three dimensional or stereoscopic viewing, and the distance between at least two assemblies can be greater than the diameter of the laparoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventors: Robert Czarnek, Jack Kolff
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Patent number: 6626828Abstract: A body cavity-observing apparatus includes an endoscope with an imaging optical system on the front edge thereof, a prism movably mounted on the forefront of the imaging optical system, and an actuator to drive the prism on a given command signal. A different endoscope image is obtained by moving the prism, and thus, a wide range endoscope image can be easily obtained.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: The University of TokyoInventors: Takeyoshi Dohi, Ichiro Sakuma, Etsuko Kobayashi, Makoto Iwahara
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Patent number: 6616602Abstract: An endoscope with a sealed housing having inner magnetic structures coupled to a displacement element and outer magnetic structures coupled to an adjustment element. The inner and outer magnetic structures are magnetically coupled to each other through the wall of the housing and are displaceable parallel to the wall. The inner magnetic structure is displaceable toward and away from stop and the outer magnetic structure magnetically drives the inner structure. The outer magnetic structure can be affixed beyond the stop position of the inner structure in a secured adjustment position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbHInventor: Lars Witte
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Patent number: 6605078Abstract: An operating head for a full thickness resection system includes a first optical device disposed on a distal portion thereof and having a viewing area extending distally of the distal portion and a working chamber extending within an exterior wall of the operating head, a first portion of the exterior wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to selectively open the working chamber to an exterior of the operating head. Furthermore, the operating head includes a second optical device mounted within the working chamber with a viewing area of the second optical device extending distally therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ronald D. Adams
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Publication number: 20030097044Abstract: A deviated distal viewing endoscope characterized in that:Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: TOKENDO (S.A.R.L.)Inventor: Jean Rovegno
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Publication number: 20030092966Abstract: A variable direction-of-view endoscope (74) with a spherical viewing window (34) symmetric about a symmetry plane (52) sealed to a distal end portion (18). The endoscope optical system can be adjusted to vary the direction of a view vector (22) through an unlimited range (50) about a pivot axis (23). The spherical viewing window (34) enables a process that switches the device between an initial configuration (54) and a final configuration (56), both having the same viewing direction (55). In addition to providing the user with an alternative to a possibly unfavorable viewpoint, this redundancy enables a stereo imaging process which captures (66) and displays (72) a stereo image pair (70) affording the user three-dimensional viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Hoeg, Eric L. Hale
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Patent number: 6561972Abstract: A video scope for simultaneously imaging a portion of the interior of an oral cavity from multiple directions. An entering portion, at its tip end, is bent. The tip end has a U-shaped pickup holding portion having a central portion and two wing portions. An inner wall of the central portion has an incident window capable of guiding image pickup light. There is a CCD unit, an objective lens, and an LED as a light source inside the central portion and the wings. A camera circuit in the grip of the scope operates the CCD unit and a video output cable is connected from the grip portion to a display such as a TV monitor.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoko Ooshima, Shinji Uchida
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Patent number: 6537210Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope with a hermetic housing wall (1) and containing an optic element (5, 11) which is adjusted by a drive element (6, 17) powered in turn by a magnet (7, 18) configured outside the wall (1). The optic elements (5, 11) can be held in specific adjustment positions by a detent device (9, 10, 19) in such manner that the force of the magnet (7, 18) shall move it from one adjustment position into another. The magnet (7, 18) is mechanically separate from the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Olympus Winter & IBE GmbHInventor: Jens Peter Wulfsberg
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Patent number: 6537209Abstract: An optical system of an endoscope for investigation and observation of spaces in medicine and engineering. The construction permits the panoramic observation of the internal surface of the space or channel. The endoscope contains a tube in which a lens is installed along the axis of symmetry and coaxial along the entire internal surface of the tube a longitudinal fiber illumination light guide is installed. A lateral observation nozzle is installed on the tube with the possibility of unlimited rotation around the tube. The nozzle is provided with a unit of two reflection prisms, one is meant for lateral observation and the other for lateral illumination. The lateral observation prism is incorporated into the body of the lateral illumination prism. A diaphragm overlapping the face of the lateral observation prism presented to the lens is arranged, on the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Itconcepts, Inc.Inventors: Naum Pinkhasik, Lev E. Sorin
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Publication number: 20030032863Abstract: An endoscope includes an imaging probe, positioned at the distal end of the elongated member; a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe; and an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism. The imaging probe includes an objective lens, an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens, and a light source for illuminating a target. Upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Yuri Kazakevich
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Patent number: 6508761Abstract: A monocular borescope or endoscope is provided with an image relaying means (16) defining a longitudinal axis (L)(and with a viewing means comprising an ocular lens (20) and field mask (18) defining a central axis (C) which is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis (L). In one embodiment the ocular lens (20) is coincident with the central axis (C) of the mask (18), while in another embodiment the ocular lens (20) is coincident with the longitudinal axis (L). The mask (18) is arranged to be mountable in a number of different rotational orientations each providing a different offset between the longitudinal axis (L) and the central axis (C).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Keymed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Paul Ramsbottom, Philip Michael Coath
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Patent number: 6500115Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a shaft and a handle extending to the side of the shaft at the proximal end. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the view direction in an observation area and has at least one operating element being engaged with the mechanism for actuating the mechanism. The at least one operating element is positioned on the handle, such that the mechanism is actuatable with at least one finger or thumb of the same hand holding the handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Storz Endoskop GmbHInventors: Beat Krattiger, Harald Haan, Manfred Kuster, Pavel Novak, Jörg Reling
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Patent number: 6471637Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The endoscope received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display. The signal processing to achieve compensatory rotations of the displayed image as an operator of the endoscope moves it about is described.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Green, Robert Ibach, Jan Fablanowski
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Patent number: 6464631Abstract: An endoscope having a distal tubular shaft section of smaller diameter in which at least on longitudinally-extending device, such as a light guiding fiber bundle, is arranged. An objective and a video camera are disposed in a free cross-sectional area of the tubular shaft section. The video camera is arranged for rotation about its viewing direction by a rotation device. An electric motor is arranged proximally of the video camera in the free cross-sectional area. The electric motor is connected to the video camera with the motor drive shaft being disposed parallel to the axis of the tubular shaft section.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbHInventors: Olaf Girke, Andreas Mückner
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Patent number: 6428471Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens; the input lens preferably is a diverging lens. In the form shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surface. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube; the illumination may be projected outwardly through the input lens. A movable mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a fixed mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: William E. Durell, Jr.
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Patent number: 6428470Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Pinotage, LLCInventor: Robert Lee Thompson
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Publication number: 20020103420Abstract: An optical endoscope assembly. The assembly includes an endoscope portion which can be optical or electrical, surrounded by a sheath. The sheath includes a window pointing generally to the side, and a mirror which changes a position of incoming light. The mirror can be fixed or movable. If a fixed mirror is used, then a set of interchangeable sheaths can be used, each of which has a different mirror angle. The sheath can also be rotated once in the body to change an orientation angle from which the light is received. An image processing circuit may process the image received from the endoscope, including inverting at least a portion of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: George Coleman, Gary Gust
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Publication number: 20020099267Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: SCIMED Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Mark L. Adams
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Patent number: 6413209Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Med Images, Inc.Inventor: Robert Lee Thompson
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Publication number: 20020082476Abstract: The illuminating light transmitted by the light guide inserted through the elongate inserted section is projected out of the distal end surface of the inserted section. The illuminated objects pass through the respective pupils of the two objective lens systems arranged in parallel within the distal end section of the inserted section and their images are formed on the focal surface. The respective images are transmitted to the rear side by one common relay lens system. The transmitted final images are formed respectively on the image taking surfaces of the image taking devices. The respective images photoelectrically converted by the respective image taking devices are processed to be signals, are displayed in the monitor and are stereo-inspected through shutter spectacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO.Inventors: Susumu Takahashi, Shinichi Nakamura, Tsutomu Takebayashi
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Patent number: 6402685Abstract: A field conversion system for rigid endoscopes has a rigid endoscope inserted into an object to form an optical image of the object and an imaging device connected to the rigid endoscope. The imaging device includes an imaging optical system for changing the magnification of the optical image to form a resultant image and an image sensor placed at the position of an imaging plane produced by the imaging optical system. A part or a whole of the imaging optical system or the image sensor is moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical system, thereby carrying out a field conversion. The field conversion system is provided with a time-division shutter mechanism placed close to a pupil position inside the imaging optical system so that two light beams at different positions in a pupil are switched time-dividedly and transmitted and the image sensor picks up time-dividedly left and right images with parallax.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Igarashi
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Patent number: 6398725Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Pinotage, LLCInventor: Robert Lee Thompson
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Publication number: 20020049367Abstract: The present invention describes a device for intracorporal, minimal-invasive treatment of a patient, comprising a working instrument that can be introduced into a body cavity of the patient for carrying out a treatment step, wherein a distal end of the introduced working instrument defines an intracorporal working area, and at least one image pick-up unit for picking up an image of the intracorporal working area, further comprising positioning means for orienting an optical axis of the image pick-up unit in dependency on a spatial position of the intracorporal working area, wherein the positioning means comprise a guide shaft, in which the working instrument is guided, and wherein the image pick-up unit is pivotably fixed at an intracorporal portion of the guide shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Klaus M. Irion, Peter Schwarz, Mark Kocher
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Patent number: 6371909Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for providing variable-angle endoscopic views in a cavity, such as an internal cavity in a human patient. The apparatus includes an elongated tubular portion with a viewer at its proximal end and a reflector assembly at its distal end. The reflector assembly includes a first reflector and a second reflector, with the second reflector rotationally mounted to permit its rotation about an axis generally aligned with an optical path portion passing from the first reflector to the second reflector. The viewer is preferably a camera rotatably secured to the apparatus. A rotator controls rotation of the second reflector and the camera, so that rotation of the second reflector causes a corresponding rotation of the camera. The assembly thus permits near-spherical viewing of the cavity without requiring substantial movement of the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hans D. Hoeg, Joel W. Burdick, Andrew B. Slatkin
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Patent number: 6364830Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens or window. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube. A first mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a second mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope. A control varies the position of one or both of the mirrors between first and second limits.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Durell & Gitelis, Inc.Inventor: William E. Durell
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Publication number: 20020022767Abstract: A body cavity-observing apparatus has an endoscope with an imaging optical system on the front edge thereof, a prism movably mounted on the forefront of the imaging optical system, and an actuator to drive the prism on a given command signal. Then, a different endoscope image is obtained by moving the prism, and thus, a wide range endoscope image can be easily obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: The University of TokyoInventors: Takeyoshi Dohi, Ichiro Sakuma, Etsuko Kobayashi, Makoto Iwahara
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Patent number: 6346076Abstract: Rotary endoscope has a deflected distal sight. The endoscope includes a cylindrical handle. An endoscopic probe includes a distal optical deflector which introduces one-way inversion of an image of an object observed through a distal lateral lens port, a lens, and an optical image conveying system. The endoscopic probe has a proximal end which is accommodated in a distal part of the cylindrical handle, and is adapted to convey the image of the object observed along an optical axis to an ocular lens. An adjustment device moves the ocular lens in a controlled manner by an outer ring. The ocular lens is arranged in a median part of the cylindrical handle and is movable longitudinally along the optical axis. A one-way image rectifier is arranged in a proximal part of the cylindrical handle. The one-way image rectifier compensates for the one-way image inversion introduced by the distal optical deflector. A rotation device is movable in a controlled manner by an outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Tokendo ( Sarl)Inventor: Jean Rovegno
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Patent number: 6306082Abstract: The illuminating light transmitted by the light guide inserted through the elongate inserted section is projected out of the distal end surface of the inserted section. The illuminated objects pass through the respective non-superimposed pupils of the two objective lens systems arranged in parallel within the distal end section of the inserted section and their images, which are not equal to each other are formed on the focal surface. The respective images are transmitted to the rear side by one common relay lens system having a single optical axis. The transmitted final images are formed respectively on the image taking surfaces of the image taking devices. The respective images photoelectrically converted by the respective image taking devices are processed to be signals, are displayed in the monitor and are stereo-inspected through shutter spectacles.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Olympus Optical Co.Inventors: Susumu Takahashi, Shinichi Nakamura, Tsutomu Takebayashi
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Publication number: 20010018553Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a shaft and a handle extending to the side of the shaft at the proximal end. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the view direction in an observation area and has at least one operating element being engaged with the mechanism for actuating the mechanism. The at least one operating element is positioned on the handle, such that the mechanism is actuatable with at least one finger or thumb of the same hand holding the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventors: Beat Krattiger, Harald Haan, Manfred Kuster, Pavel Novak, Jorg Reling