Abstract: The present invention is a modularly structured endoscope with an interchangeable image transmission unit and an endoscope casing which includes the optical fiber system. Due to the modular design, the light transmission unit can be repaired independently of the image transmission unit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup unit 30 having a solid-state image pickup device 32 such as a CCD on a tip end side of an elongate insertion section. This image pickup unit 30 constitutes a tip end side unit 36U and a rear end side unit 43U by conducting a surface treatment (metallization) to nonmetal members such as a tip end cover glass 31 and a rear end cover glass 35, and by airtight coupling surface-treated portions of the nonmetal members to metal members such as a tip end cover glass frame 36 and a rear end cover glass frame 43 by brazing using soldering, and constitutes an optical system unit 60 by airtight coupling the metal members to metal members of an insulating unit 38U formed by airtight coupling a pipe member 41 and a ring member 42 to an insulating frame 38 by welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having an orifice covered by an optical device (3), which is to be prevented from being dirtied. For that reason the device comprises a housing (1), in which a ring-shaped socket (2) supporting the optical device is rotatably journalled by means of a bearing arranged around the periphery of a socket (2). Moreover, the socket (2) is provided with a rim turbine blades (8) against which one or more jets of pressure air from nozzles (10, 11) in the housing (1) are directed.

Abstract: An objective optical system comprising, in order from the object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, wherein the second lens unit is moved along an optical axis for changing a magnification. This objective optical system is configured to be compact and have favorable optical performance by adequately selecting an airspace between the first lens unit and the second lens unit as well as a power for the first lens unit.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of the present invention comprises an endoscope with a built-in solid state imaging device at a distal end portion of an insertion tube and a distal end optical adapter detachably connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube of the endoscope. At least one objective optical system is provided in said distal end optical adapter and an optical image formed on said solid state imaging device through the distal end optical adapter is displayed on a TV monitor through a control device.

Abstract: A front end structure of a stereoscopic endoscope comprises a lens barrel main body 3 having a pair of lens barrel portions 31R, 31L for holding and accommodating a pair of objective optical systems 32R, 32L so as to make them project toward an object, respectively; and a front end part main body 2 formed with a pair of holes 21R, 21L for receiving the respective lens barrel portions 31R, 31L, while the image-side end portion of the front end part main body 2 is formed like a cylinder surrounding the lens barrel main body 3. The left and right side portions 41R, 41L of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel main body 3 are inscribed in the cylindrical portion 26 of the front end part main body 2, so that the lens barrel main body 3 and the front end part main body 2 slidably mate with each other. As a consequence, the front end part main body 2 and the lens barrel main body 3 can be assembled to each other while in a state positioned with respect to each other with a high accuracy.

Abstract: An endoscope contains no adhesives, epoxies, or other organic materials. The endoscope includes a set of lenses held in position by cylindrical spacers. A pair of windows seal the ends of the endoscope, and prevent the lenses and spacers from falling out. The windows are brazed to the endoscope. Due to the use of brazing, no adhesives are needed to hold the lenses or windows in place. Thus, one can sterilize the endoscope in the high temperature environment of an autoclave, without risking damage to the optical components. The brazing produces a hermetic seal which enables the endoscope to function properly in an environment of high temperature or high pressure, or in chemically abusive environments.

Abstract: A front end lens 11 of a pair of objective lenses 32R, 32L disposed the object-side end face of a front end part 1 of a stereoscopic endoscope has a so-called D-cut lens form in which both side portions of a spherical lens are cut off, whereby spaces for arranging illumination windows 13, lens surface washing nozzles 15, and heads of fastening screws 14 for fastening the front end part 1 to a front end part main body 2 are secured at the front end face of the front end part 1, while keeping its function of yielding a sufficient angle of convergence .theta.. A positioning pin 16 formed in the front end part main body 2 is inserted into a pin insertion groove 17 formed in a protrusion 12 of the front end part 1 at an eccentric position of the protrusion 12, whereby both members 1, 2 are inhibited from rotating relative to each other, and the relative positional relationship between the front end lens 11 and the pair of objective optical systems 32R, 32L can reliably be fixed.

Abstract: An objective lens system for endoscopes comprising a first lens component (L.sub.1) which has no or a negative refractive power, a second lens component (L.sub.2) which has a convex image side surface and a third lens component (L.sub.3) which has a convex object side surface, wherein a radius of curvature r.sub.3F on the object side surface of the third lens component and a thickness of the third lens component satisfy the following condition:3<r.sub.3F /D.sub.3 <10.

Abstract: A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator includes a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end. A surgical tool can be attached to, or surround, part of the body portion of the fiber optic member, and the surgical tool can be connected to the body portion of the fiber optic member. A light-transmitting member is positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of the fiber optic member. A light-delivering port in the surgical tool can be provided. When the light-receiving end of the fiber optic member is optically connected to the source of light, light is transmitted through the fiber optic member to the light-delivering end of the fiber optic member, and through the light-transmitting member at a light density, to illuminate a surgical region adjacent the light-transmitting member.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: 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 FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surfaces. 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.

Abstract: A measuring adapter allows a viewing instrument, such as an otoscope or other imaging device, to perform surface examinations without significant modification thereto. The adapter is releasably attachable to the instrument housing and includes a distal optical element retained by an adapter housing which is suitably aligned with the distal tip opening of the diagnostic instrument, when attached thereto, for allowing a target to be viewed at a predetermined distance from the viewing system. According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a baffle which causes illuminated light from the distal tip opening to obliquely impinge onto the optical element in order that a reflected image of the illumination optics is not directed to the viewing system. According to another preferred embodiment, the optical element is skewed relative to the illumination axis of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: An eyepiece optical system, an illuminating lamp, and a battery 2 are housed in an operation unit 2. An insertion unit in which an image transmitting optical fiber bundle and an illumination light transmitting optical fiber bundle are incorporated is detachably coupled with the operation unit through a coupling unit. The insertion unit is bent using a bending wire attached to the distal end thereof and coupled to the operation unit by a wire operating mechanism. An anti-clouding material can be disposed on a surface of the distal end of the insertion unit to protect it against clouding.

Abstract: An improved endoscope comprises an objective including a diffractive optical element juxtaposed to a solid-state imaging element at the distal tip of the endoscope. An inexpensive halogen lamp at the proximal end of the endoscope is employed as the illumination source. A fiber-optic bundle carries light to the distal tip of the endoscope, where diffractive optical elements are provided to disperse light, illuminating the field of view.

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 pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor, which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The outer tube employs a window extending along at least a portion of the side thereof for viewing of bodily fluids moving through the fluid channel from the body in which the catheter is inserted toward the proximal catheter end. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor. Viewing of amniotic fluid through the window facilitates verification of proper catheter tip placement within the amniotic fluid space.

Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope having a viewing window for introducing light from an object into an objective optical system for forming an observed image. An illuminating window is disposed in a side by a side relationship with the viewing window for illuminating a visual field of the objective optical system. A continuous transparent cover covers the surfaces of both the illuminating and viewing windows. A window glass is attached to the viewing window in such a manner that a virtual image of the outer edge portion of the window glass, which is produced by single reflection from the inner side of the outer surface of the transparent cover, lies outside the visual filed of the objective optical system.

Abstract: An endoscope contains no adhesives, epoxies, or other organic materials. The endoscope includes a set of lenses held in position by cylindrical spacers. A pair of windows seal the ends of the endoscope, and prevent the lenses and spacers from falling out. The windows are brazed to the endoscope. Due to the use of brazing, no adhesives are needed to hold the lenses or windows in place. Thus, one can sterilize the endoscope in the high temperature environment of an autoclave, without risking damage to the optical components. The brazing produces a hermetic seal which enables the endoscope to function properly in an environment of high temperature or high pressure, or in chemically abusive environments.

Abstract: An endoscope which reduces the volume needed by the imaging part thereof, maintains resolution of a wide diameter optical system, while increasing tool access, and allows stereographic or interferometric processing for depth and perspective information/visualization. Because the endoscope decreases the volume consumed by imaging optics such allows a larger fraction of the volume to be used for non-imaging tools, which allows smaller incisions in surgical and diagnostic medical applications thus produces less trauma to the patient or allows access to smaller volumes than is possible with larger instruments. The endoscope utilizes fiber optic light pipes in an outer layer for illumination, a multi-pupil imaging system in an inner annulus, and an access channel for other tools in the center. The endoscope is amenable to implementation as a flexible scope, and thus increases the utility thereof.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes to be disposed in a tip of an endoscope in an axial direction thereof and in parallel with a bundle of illumination system, and comprising an optical system which is to be disposed in the tip of the endoscope and has a diameter smaller than that of another optical system to be disposed on the image side thereof.

Abstract: A non-flexible endoscope comprising a slender insert section which is to be inserted from a leading end thereof into cavities of living bodies and the like for observing interiors thereof, and comprises an observation optical system consisting only of an objective lens system for forming a primary image in the vicinity of an end opposite to the leading end. The non-flexible endoscope comprises an optical system which is composed of a small number of lens elements and is bright, and can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: An endoscope system provided with an electronic or optical endoscope is provided therein with an illuminating optical system, an observation optical system, a flow passage system and a forceps channel. Cleaning and disinfection operations are performed on the endoscope so that the endoscope is reusable. An electronic or optical cover type endoscope is provided therein with an illuminating optical system and an observation optical system. The cover type endoscope is used with an endoscope cover having a flow passage system and a forceps channel mounted on the cover type endoscope. The endoscope cover is discarded and replaced whereby the cover type endoscope is reused. Peripheral equipment for endoscope inspection used in combination with the endoscopes is capable of being selectively connected to any of the endoscopes.

Abstract: An endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a tubular cavity, an observation lens provided in a distal end of the insertion section, and a rounded distal portion protruding from the distal end of the insertion section in the insertion direction. The observation lens is positioned with its center displaced from the forewardmost tip of the rounded distal portion.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by arranging along the lengthwise direction within a lens barrel: a side view mirror or prism which reflects in the lengthwise direction of said lens barrel the optical image incident from a translucent window that opens to the tip side surface; an image focusing optical system which focuses that optical image; and a CCD element which captures the optical image focused by said image focusing optical system; and is characterized by mounting in the light route reaching from aforementioned side view mirror or prism to said CCD element optical image inversion mirror or prism which reflects the optical image inverted by said side view mirror or prism such that it faces said CCD element in a reinverted state.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe for viewing difficult to reach surfaces is provided. The system utilizes a pair of image transmission elements. The first image transmission element passes a low resolution, wide field of view image of the surface to be examined to one eyepiece. The second image transmission element passes a high resolution, narrow field of view image of a portion of the same surface to a second eyepiece. Thus the viewer receives low resolution, wide field of view information in one eye and high resolution, narrow field of view information in the other eye. The overlapped, low resolution information from the wide field-of-view scene is suppressed by the brain, thus resulting in the two images being combined. The combined image contains both the low resolution, wide field-of-view information and the high resolution, narrow field-of-view information. The endoscopic probe may contain one or more illumination sources in order to provide sufficient light intensity for the imaging system.

Abstract: An optical system for electronic endoscopes which makes it possible to thin tips of endoscopes and minimize illumination ununiformities. In this optical system, a prism having a half transmissive mirror film formed thereon is disposed on a rear side of an objective optical system, a CCD is optically connected to a reflecting optical path in which rays are flexed at a right angle and a light guide is connected to a straight travelling optical path. A light diffusing plate and a condenser lens are arranged between the light guide and the prism. This arrangement makes it possible to dispose the objective optical system in series with the light guide in a tip of endoscope, thereby enabling to thin the tip. Further, the diffusing plate prevents an image of a shape of an end surface of an optical fiber bundle from being projected reversely to an image pickup device.

Abstract: A manually manipulated illuminator used in microsurgery comprises an optic fiber that transmits light through the instrument and emits the light through a beveled end surface of the fiber, the beveled end surface having a leading edge that facilitates insertion of the end surface through an incision.

Abstract: An objective lens system for an endoscope having an image transfer optical fiber bundle comprises from the object end a first lens of negative power having a concave image side surface, a second lens of positive power having a radius of curvature greater on an image side than on an object side, a third lens of positive power having a radius of curvature greater on the object side than on the image side, a doublet lens of positive power which comprises a forth lens element and a fifth lens element, and an aperture diaphragm interposed between the second and third lenses and satisfies the following relations:.vertline.d.multidot.f/f.sub.R.sup.2 .vertline.<0.11v2<45.0where f is the equivalent focal length of the entire objective lens system, f.sub.

Abstract: An endoscope optical system has a shaft containing parallel image and light guides, the distal ends of which are covered by a window which closes the distal end of the shaft and which has a light screen near the separating line between the cross-sectional regions of the image guide and the light guide. The window is a one-piece window plate with at least one circular slot forming a light screen. The slot extends parallel to the separating line and is formed in one of the inner or outer surfaces of the window plate. Multiple slots forming a labyrinth are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a hollow tube having a substantially solid, optically clear tip attached thereto. A distal cutting end of the tip is formed by a pair of opposing, angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line at that point with a cutting element disposed along the line. For electrosurgical operation, an electrode is positioned along the line. The tip serves as a viewing window and defines a viewing port at its proximal end for an endoscope inserted into the hollow obturator tube for viewing a tissue wall as it is penetrated. The trocar obturator tip may include an axial bore extending between its proximal and distal ends with a viewing rod within the bore for viewing the area ahead of the tip. Here again, the distal cutting end of the tip may be formed by a pair of opposing angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line. Two cutting elements extend linearly along the distal end of the tip, one on either side of the bore.

Abstract: An endoscope having a distally heated distal lens for performing laparoscopic surgery is shown. The preferred embodiment of the endoscope is a laparoscope which includes a rigid elongated sheath tube which encloses means defining a fiber optic light carrying bundle formed of a plurality of optical fibers each of which have a distal end. The fiber optic bundle has a proximal end which is adapted to be operatively coupled to a light source having light energy including infrared radiation and a distal end which is located in the distal section of the sheath tube contiguous the distal lens. The fiber optic bundle has a selected number of the distal ends of the plurality of optical fibers treated to form an energy diverting member for directing thermal or infrared energy from a light source into the periphery of the distal lens to increase the temperature thereof to resist fogging of the distal lens when the distal section of the endoscope is inserted into a warm, moist area such as a body cavity.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having an elongated image guide adapted to be inserted through an opening in the human body. A prism is provided at one end of the image guide for directing images from a predetermined field of view through the image guide and means for. By tilting the prism relative to the image guide the field of view from which images are directed through the image guide is changed to provide continuous scanning for viewing and examining different features of internal cavities and hollow organs of the human body.

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 fog-free endoscope comprises an elongated tube defining an optical path extending from a distal end of the endoscope. A front window is fixed to the endoscope distal end, and heating means is disposed in the endoscope proximate the window to provide heat to the window to maintain the window in a fog-free condition.

Abstract: An endoscope for stereo-optically viewing an object comprises a tubular insertion portion characterized by a pair of adjacent asymmetric optical systems including a primary imaging channel and a secondary imaging channel. Associated with each channel is a solid state electronic imaging means positioned to receive the images relayed by primary and secondary image-relaying means. The optical portion of the primary channel comprises a relatively large objective lens system and a primary image-relaying means designed to provide sharply focussed first images. The optical portion of the secondary channel comprises a relatively small diameter objective lens system and a secondary image-relaying means designed to relay enough light and image information to provide an acceptable stereoscopic capability.

Abstract: The invention provides a percutaneous visualization system for direct, stereoscopic visualization of a body cavity during minimally-invasive surgical procedures. The visualization system includes a cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is configured to allow stereoscopic vision therethrough, and is preferably tapered from the proximal end to the distal end. A sleeve is positionable in the passage of the cannula, the sleeve having an optical passage also configured to allow stereoscopic vision, preferably by tapering. A lens may be disposed in the optical passage of the sleeve tier wide-angle viewing. Magnification means may be positioned in optical alignment with the optical passage to provide a magnified image of a surgical site.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes comprising a plurality of lens components and an aperture stop, and configured so as to permit adjusting a distance to an object to be observed simply by exchanging a lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop with another lens component having a focal length different from that of the lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop. This objective optical system for endoscopes can have an optimum depth of field by changing a diameter of the aperture stop along with the exchange of the lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes an elongate shaft with an optical system arranged therein. The shaft is closed off at least its distal end by a window which is firmly and tightly connected to the shaft. The closure window is constructed of spinel or yttrium-aluminum-garnet. The spinel may be cubic monocrystalline spinel or polycrystalline spinel, and the yttrium-aluminum-garnet may be undoped or neodymium-doped. Similar closure windows of the same materials may be provided at other openings in the endoscope shaft, such as a proximal end ocular or eyepiece or a lateral light guide window. The closure window may optionally be in the form of a lens to function as part of the optical system.

Abstract: A hand-held, fully remote diagnostic instrument having video capability is configured for any one of a number of clinical or industrial applications. The instrument has a casing that includes a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover, a front cover, and a sealing gasket to form a fully soakable instrument. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board which extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument can be configured for various applications by installing front and back covers that are suited for a specific purpose.