Abstract: An endoscope assembly with a main imaging device and a first light source is configured to provide a forward view of a body cavity, and further includes a detachable imaging device with an attachment member engageable with the distal end region of the endoscope, a linking member connected to the attachment member, and an imaging element with a second light source, wherein the detachable imaging device provides a retrograde view of the body cavity and the main imaging device. Light interference is reduced by using polarizing filters or by alternating the on/off state of the main imaging device, the first light source, the imaging element and the second light source so that the main imaging device and first light source are on when the imaging element and second light source are off and the main imaging device and first light source are off when the imaging element and second light source are on.

Abstract: An objective lens unit for endoscopes, with an objective lens having at least one lens and with an objective lens frame that is mounted in an endoscope housing in such a way that the insertion depth in the distal direction is restricted by a covering glass established in the endoscope housing and the objective lens frame that can be fastened in the endoscope housing forms the proximal end. In order to provide an objective lens unit for endoscopes that is simple to assemble and can be positioned in stationary manner in the endoscope housing, it is proposed according to the invention that the objective lens frame should be capable of being removably fastened in the endoscope housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having a lumen extending therethrough. A light source is disposed within the elongated tubular member. The light source is configured to emit light from a distal end of the elongated tubular member. A mirror assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongated tubular member. The mirror assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the mirror assembly is positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongated tubular member. In the extended position, the mirror assembly extends distally from the elongated tubular member to re-direct light emitted by the light source.

Abstract: A surgical scope for viewing a surgical site of a patient including an elongated tube, a viewing lens having an outer surface positioned at the distal portion of the scope, and a lens cleaner positioned at the distal portion and translatable between a first position and a second position. The lens cleaner includes an arcuate wiper having a complementary shape to the shape of the lens. An actuator is spaced proximally of the wiper and actuable to translate the wiper along the outer surface of the lens.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: An endoscope hood (1) has a cylindrical shape with both ends opened and is mounted on a tip end portion (3) in a longitudinal axis direction of an endoscope (2) provided with an optical system at least including an observation system (5) and a treatment system to be used. The endoscope hood (1) is provided with an endoscope mounting unit (18) having a base end side opening (21) configured to be mounted on the tip end portion (3) of the endoscope (2) and a hood main body (17) having a tip end side opening (10) of which outer diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the base end side opening (21), wherein, in a state in which the base end side opening (21) is mounted on the tip end portion (3) and the tip end portion (3) is seen in the longitudinal axis direction, the optical system and the treatment system are located on the inside of the tip end side opening (10).

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, opposed to an image pickup optical system, a transducer attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, a diffraction grating provided on an outer surface of the transparent member, for converting ultrasound vibration from the transducer to a surface acoustic wave ? that propagates on the outer surface of the transparent member and a conversion section provided in an outer peripheral corner of the transparent member for converting the surface acoustic wave ? to a bulk wave ?b that scatters into the transparent member.

Abstract: This endoscope device includes: an LED adaptor that has a plurality of LED chips and that can be removably fitted onto a distal end of an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity of an endoscopy subject; an LED supporting block that is provided on the LED adaptor and that supports the plurality of LED chips; and a heat removal portion that removes heat from the LED supporting block.

Abstract: An endoscope for magnified image observation configured to observe a magnified image of in vivo tissue comprises an insertion part configured to be inserted into a body, a magnified image observation port configured to take in the magnified image of the in vivo tissue in one of a state where the magnified image observation port is in contact with the in vivo tissue and a state where the magnified image observation port is in proximity to the in vivo tissue, the observation port being provided at a distal end of the insertion part, and a marking unit configured to mark the in vivo tissue in one of the state where the magnified image observation port is in contact with the in vivo tissue and the state where the magnified image observation port is in proximity to the in vivo tissue.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes an objective lens and a transparent dome that covers the object side of the objective lens, and the transparent dome has negative refracting power. In the capsule endoscope of the present invention, the center of curvature of the object-side surface of the transparent dome disagrees with the center of curvature of the objective-lens-side surface of the transparent dome to satisfy the following condition: Rb<L?Ra where Ra is the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the transparent dome, Rb is the radius of curvature of the objective-lens-side surface of the transparent dome, and L is a distance from the vertex of the object-side surface of the transparent dome to the most object-side surface of the objective lens.

Abstract: A cooling structure of a heat-generating electronic component including a cooling circuit, which includes a cooling fluid delivery unit, a first heat exchanger for absorbing and discharging thermal energy at the heat-generating electronic component as well as a control structure. The control structure adjusts the cooling fluid flow and thus the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger to such value that at a predetermined temperature in the area of the electronic component a balance is brought about between the heat quantity generated and the heat quantity discharged. The cooling structure is inserted in the deflecting forming a bendable adapter outside the end cap of an endoscope.

Abstract: A light-diffusing safety cap for use with a light cable that couples an endoscope to a high intensity light source. The light-diffusing safety cap can be detachably or releasably coupled, in lieu of the endoscope, to the light cable, such that when the high intensity light source emits a high intensity light and the endoscope is not connected to the light cable, the light-diffusing safety cap reduces the intensity of the high intensity light emitted to the environment and provides an indication that the high intensity light source is activated when the endoscope is not connected to the light cable.

Abstract: Distal ends of the LG fiber bundles are held in a state of being inclined outwardly with respect to an insertion direction of the distal end rigid portion, an observation hole for holding the image-pickup unit is formed at the distal end rigid portion, illumination holes for holding the distal ends of the LG fiber bundles are formed around the observation hole, the illumination holes are inclined outwardly with respect to an insertion direction of the distal end rigid portion, extended lines of inclined angles of the illumination holes are set to pass through backward of the observation hole, and a space after removal of the image-pickup unit from the observation hole is secured as a space for withdrawal of the LG fiber bundles.

Abstract: An optical probe, for example, a medical endoscope, having a removable lens cell. In an embodiment, the optical probe has an elongated tube with a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion terminating at a distal end. The elongated tube defines an axial lumen wherein a lens cell holder is disposed proximal the distal portion. The lens cell holder has an axial holder bore for at least partially containing the lens cell within and removably coupled with the holder bore.

Abstract: This endoscope device is provided with: a laser light source that emits light having a specific wavelength; a diffusion optical component that diffuses light emitted from the laser light source and irradiates it onto an endoscopic examination subject at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; an adaptor that has a fluorescent substance that uses light from the laser light source as excitation light to emit light having a different wavelength, and is mounted on the distal end portion of the insertion portion such that it is able to be freely attached or removed; and a diffusion prevention component that is placed between the fluorescent substance of the adaptor and the diffusion optical component, and that prevents diffusion of light irradiated from the diffusion optical component.

Abstract: An endoscope device of the present invention has an insertion portion capable of attachment and detachment of a plurality of optical adapters. The endoscope device comprises a resistor for detecting attachment and detachment of the optical adapter as well as an attachment and detachment detection portion, a ROM for storing a setting table as a specific set value for each of the plurality of optical adapters, an LCD for displaying a list of the optical adapters on the basis of the setting table, and an operation switch for selecting one optical adapter from the list of the optical adapters.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an adaptor detachably mounted on a distal end of an insertion section; a mounting base provided in said adaptor; illumination section attached to the front of said mounting base; front electrode terminals provided at the front end of the mounting base and connected to the illumination section; rear electrode terminals provided at the back of the mounting base, connected to the front electrode terminals, and abutting electrode terminals provided at the distal end of the insertion section when the adaptor is mounted on the distal end of the insertion section; and insulating plates where the front and rear electrode terminals are provided in a manner such that they are exposed from the surface and coupling lines to couple the front and rear electrode terminals are embedded.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end portion body 31 formed of a metal, a distal end portion cover 32 formed of an insulating resin to cover the distal end portion body 31, and a cover lens 25 disposed at a position at which the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is contactable with both the distal end portion body 31 and the distal end portion cover 32. In the above, the proximal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion body 31 by soldering along the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the distal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion cover 32 by adhesion along the circumferential direction. Each of bonding surfaces of the cover lens 25 and the distal end portion body 31 is previously formed with a metal film for improving the flow of a liquid solder.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system.

Abstract: An objective optical system is configured to be suitable to be implemented at a tip of an endoscope. The objective optical system is provided with a first lens unit having a first lens barrel and a first optical system including plurality of lens elements assembled in the first lens barrel, and a second lens unit having a second lens barrel and a second optical system including a plurality of lens elements. The first lens unit or the second lens unit includes an alignment lens which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis thereof. The alignment lens is a lens most sensitive with respect to an alignment error among the plurality of lenses included in the first optical system.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including: an elongated insertion section; an adaptor, which has an illuminating section including optical elements, and an observation optical system, that are attached to and removed from a tip of the insertion section; a sensor provided in the adaptor; and electrical contacts for the illumination section, and electrical contacts for the sensor, provided in the adaptor and the tip of the insertion section.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the spectroscopic determination of the physical characteristics of the tissue under observation by an autofluorescence or other endoscope without the requirement of contacting the tissue directly. The optical probe contained in the endoscope itself is passive and may be either built into the endoscope or positioned in a biopsy channel of same. The spectroscopic information, combined with other information provided by the endoscope such as total fluorescence, improves the sensitivity and specificity of the identification of precancerous or cancerous lesions.

Abstract: High-precision observation is made possible while allowing contact between a distal end of an objective lens and an optical element without damaging the distal end of the objective lens and the optical element even when attaching to and detaching from the distal end of the objective lens. Provided is an objective lens adapter including a fixed member that is fixed to a lens tube of an objective lens, a distal-end member including an optical element that is made to be placed in contact with the distal-end surface of the objective lens, and an elastic member that is disposed between the distal-end member and the fixed member and that urges the optical element in a direction that causes the optical element to contact the distal-end surface of the objective lens.

Abstract: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.

Abstract: An endoscope having an inserted portion, which is to be inserted into a tubular organ, including a bendable portion that is adapted to bend arbitrarily by a remote operation and a distal unit with a window for observation to capture an image of inside the tubular organ, is provided. A plurality of grooves are formed in parallel with an axis of the distal unit on a circumferential surface of the distal unit and the grooves are spaced from each other.

Abstract: An air-supplying/water-supplying nozzle for delivering fluid to a second imaging unit for observing a body to be examined which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion to be inserted into a body to be examined in a projecting manner is provided on a non-projecting face of the insertion portion, the non-projecting portion being disposed at a position lower than a flat face of a middle step portion on which the second imaging unit is disposed. Thereby, such a possibility can be reduced that an opening portion of the air-supplying/water-supplying nozzle is caught by an object to be examined and observation or diagnosis work conducted using an observation optical system of an object-contacting type can be conducted.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image.

Abstract: Videoendoscope including a distal endpiece, a laser source generating a laser beam and an optical formation device arranged to produce from the laser beam a calibrated light spot near a target of which the size is to be measured, wherein the laser source is housed in a distal endpiece, while the optical formation device is housed at least partially in a removable optical head that can be fitted on the distal endpiece.

Abstract: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.

Abstract: A medical inspection device. A housing includes a transparent plate. A circuit board is disposed in the housing. At least one light-emitting element is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting element is opposite to the transparent plate. Light from the light-emitting element is output to the exterior of the housing through the transparent plate. An image sensor is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The image sensor is opposite to the transparent plate. An image in the exterior of the housing is received by the image sensor through the transparent plate and converted into an image signal thereby. A grip is detachably connected to the housing. A signal transmission line is detachably connected to the circuit board and fit in the grip and extends to the exterior of the grip, outputting the image signal.

Abstract: A first expression of a first apparatus includes a medical scanned beam imager including an optical dome and a scanner, wherein the optical dome has a variable optical power distribution. A first expression of a second apparatus includes a sleeve assembly which is attachable to a medical scanned beam imager and which includes an objective element which covers an optical dome of the imager when the sleeve assembly is attached to the imager. A second expression of a second apparatus includes a sleeve assembly and a medical scanned beam imager wherein the sleeve assembly is attached to the imager and an objective element of the sleeve assembly covers an optical dome of the imager. A first expression of a third apparatus includes an objective element and a medical scanned beam imager having an optical dome wherein the objective element covers the optical dome and is attached to the imager.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the visualization of an optical device, in particular a medical device. The device can include a lens cover that provides an offset between the distal end of an endoscope and the surrounding environment. At least a portion of the lens cover can have an ellipsoidal shape.

Abstract: An optical instrument, in particular an endoscope, has a shaft and an inter-changeable head. The interchangeable head is detachably connected to the distal end of the shaft at a coupling point. The instrument also has a first transmission system for distal transmission of illuminating power, and a second transmission system for proximal transmission of image information, the first transmission system and the second transmission system passing through the coupling point. The interchangeable head and/or the coupling point are/is designed in such a way that upon loosening of the interchangeable head image information of perceptively modified quality is transmitted by the second transmission system.

Abstract: An indwelling apparatus (5) for holding a capsule endoscope (3) is arranged with a control device (57) including an optical sensor (73), a control board (66) configuring a controller and a reset circuit, a driver board (68) configuring an electromagnet driver, and an electromagnet (70), where when the optical sensor (73) detects the light, the controller performs the drive control of the electromagnet (70) at every constant time interval to turn ON the reed switch (14) and supply power to the capsule endoscope (3) thereby operating the capsule endoscope (3) only when observation is necessary, and thus the battery drain of the capsule endoscope is reduced.

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.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes an objective lens and a transparent dome that covers the object side of the objective lens, and the transparent dome has negative refracting power. In the capsule endoscope of the present invention, the center of curvature of the object-side surface of the transparent dome disagrees with the center of curvature of the objective-lens-side surface of the transparent dome to satisfy the following condition: Rb<L?Ra where Ra is the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the transparent dome, Rb is the radius of curvature of the objective-lens-side surface of the transparent dome, and L is a distance from the vertex of the object-side surface of the transparent dome to the most object-side surface of the objective lens.

Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion portion and a tip unit detachably attached to a distal end of the insertion portion. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into an object, and has a signal cable and a first optical fiber extending therethrough. The tip unit has a second optical fiber optically connected to the first optical fiber, and an actuator electrically connected to the signal cable. The actuator vibrates the second optical fiber so as to scan light irradiated from the second optical fiber over an observed area.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an electronic endoscope, a plurality of types of optical adapters, a control device, and a display device. The electronic endoscope includes an imaging unit. The plurality of types of optical adapters includes a predetermined observational optical system and is freely detachably attached to the distal section of the electronic endoscope. The observational optical system incorporated in each optical adapter includes an identification section with which the type of optical adapter is identified. The control device is electrically connected to the electronic endoscope.

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: When examining a living organism exhibiting dynamic behavior such as pulsing, the dynamic behavior is suppressed and clear images are acquired. The invention provides an objective lens unit including a lens barrel for supporting optical components, wherein an end surface of the lens barrel is disposed farther towards the distal side than an optical component at the extreme distal end, and channel-shaped indented portions extending in the diametrical direction are formed in the end surface of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A measuring endoscope system includes a menu display module that selects a menu according to display data which is associated in advance with any of a plurality of optical adaptors, and a measuring program for performing measurement according to the result of the selection performed by the menu display module. Consequently, in the measuring endoscope system, when a user designates an optical adaptor using an optical adaptor selection screen image displayed on an LCD by the menu display module, a measuring technique associated with the optical adaptor is automatically selected. When a user wants to perform measurement using the measuring endoscope system, the user should merely press a measurement execution switch included in an endoscopic operation unit. Thus, measurement in which the selected measuring technique is implemented is carried out.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting components of imaging devices are provided. In the illustrative embodiment, a plano-concave protective cover is provided which is bonded to an imager window by applying a thick, quick-setting adhesive to the exterior of the cover and of the imager window.

Abstract: A measurement endoscope system includes: an image pick-up device, an endoscope insertion portion to which a plurality of stereo measurement optical adaptors and a normal measurement adaptor are detachably attachable, a control unit for accommodating the endoscope insertion portion, a face mounted display for stereoscopically viewing a normal endoscope image or stereoscopically viewing the endoscope image as a pseudo stereo image, and the like. The control unit includes a CPU for controlling the execution of various functions based on a main program, a ROM, a RAM, a PC card, a USB port, an RS-232 port, an audio signal processing circuit, and a video signal processing circuit. The control unit can be connected externally to a PC. The measurement endoscope system allows taking image re-measurements under a correct measurement environment simple operation, with the re-measurements being performed promptly without consideration of the measurement environment.

Abstract: A processing unit includes a positional relationship information extracting unit for extracting first information on a positional relationship of an optical adaptor by performing the image processing of a signal transmitted from an image pick-up unit upon capturing the image of a predetermined subject, a storing device for storing the first information on the positional relationship, a comparing and determining unit for comparing the first information on the positional relationship stored in the storing device with second information on the positional relationship which is extracted again by the extracting unit when replacing the optical adaptor by using the tip of an endoscope insertion portion, and a notifying unit for notifying a determination result based on determination information from the comparing and determining unit.

Abstract: An endoscope in accordance with the present invention comprises an inserting unit main body, and a head unit that is freely detachably attached to the distal end of the inserting unit main body and that includes an image pickup device which picks up an image of an object and a light emitting element which irradiates illumination light to the object.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope having an illuminating section in which an LED for illumination that emits illuminating light to illuminate an observed site is provided and a C-MOS image sensor which has an image pickup surface on which an optical image is formed and outputs a video signal.

Abstract: An optical instrument, in particular an endoscope, has a shaft and an interchangeable head. The interchangeable head is detachably connected to the distal end of the shaft at a coupling point. The instrument also has a first transmission system for distal transmission of illuminating power, and a second transmission system for proximal transmission of image information, the first transmission system and the second transmission system passing through the coupling point.

Abstract: An endoscope tip protection system for shielding the optical component at the distal end of an endoscope. The system comprises a tubular sheath which is optically transparent at least at its distal end, and adapted to fit onto and be retained on the scope tip. The scope/sheath assembly is then inserted into an open ended tubular fiberoptic illuminating cannula which is adapted to receive the scope/sheath assembly and prevent the tubular sheath from falling out.