US3703169A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endoscope
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1970-12-21
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Granted: 1972-11-21
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Expires: 1990-12-21
Abstract
Abstract Endoscope for use with an instrument such as a forceps, a stripper brush, and a washing tube inserted through a guide channel provided in the endoscope. To facilitate and insure the exact operation of the inserted instrument, the optical axis of the observation optical system of the endoscope is so positioned that the optical axis is directed to the point at which the tip of the instrument is positioned during the operation of the instrument.
Inventors
- 👤 Teruo Ouchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 19:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/012; A61B1/018; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/0008; A61B1/00098; A61B1/00163; A61B1/00165; A61B1/00174; A61B1/00183
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
244 words
In an endoscope including an elongated flexible tube, a control housing at one longitudinal end of said tube, a forward end portion extending from the other longitudinal end of said tube in the direction of elongation of said tube, an optical observation system including an objective and an observation window in said forward end portion, an eyepiece on said control housing, image transmitting means in said tube for transmitting an image from said objective to said eyepiece, an illuminating system for projecting light from said forward end portion toward an object to be viewed, said tube enclosing a guide channel terminating at an opening in said end portion, said guide channel being dimensioned for receiving an elongated instrument in a position in which the tip of said instrument projects from said opening while the rear end of said instrument is accessible near said one longitudinal end, deflector means engageable in said forward end portion with said instrument, operating means accessible near said one longitudinal end for pivoting said deflector means in a single plane about a pivot axis, and for thereby moving said projecting tip, said optical system having an optical axis extending outward of said forward end portion through said window, the improvement which comprises: said window and said opening being juxtaposed, and said plane of pivoting of said deflector means about said pivot axis obliquely intersecting a portion of said optical axis spaced from said window outward of said forward end portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
244 words
In an endoscope including an elongated flexible tube, a control housing at one longitudinal end of said tube, a forward end portion extending from the other longitudinal end of said tube in the direction of elongation of said tube, an optical observation system including an objective and an observation window in said forward end portion, an eyepiece on said control housing, image transmitting means in said tube for transmitting an image from said objective to said eyepiece, an illuminating system for projecting light from said forward end portion toward an object to be viewed, said tube enclosing a guide channel terminating at an opening in said end portion, said guide channel being dimensioned for receiving an elongated instrument in a position in which the tip of said instrument projects from said opening while the rear end of said instrument is accessible near said one longitudinal end, deflector means engageable in said forward end portion with said instrument, operating means accessible near said one longitudinal end for pivoting said deflector means in a single plane about a pivot axis, and for thereby moving said projecting tip, said optical system having an optical axis extending outward of said forward end portion through said window, the improvement which comprises: said window and said opening being juxtaposed, and said plane of pivoting of said deflector means about said pivot axis obliquely intersecting a portion of said optical axis spaced from said window outward of said forward end portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
244 words
In an endoscope including an elongated flexible tube, a control housing at one longitudinal end of said tube, a forward end portion extending from the other longitudinal end of said tube in the direction of elongation of said tube, an optical observation system including an objective and an observation window in said forward end portion, an eyepiece on said control housing, image transmitting means in said tube for transmitting an image from said objective to said eyepiece, an illuminating system for projecting light from said forward end portion toward an object to be viewed, said tube enclosing a guide channel terminating at an opening in said end portion, said guide channel being dimensioned for receiving an elongated instrument in a position in which the tip of said instrument projects from said opening while the rear end of said instrument is accessible near said one longitudinal end, deflector means engageable in said forward end portion with said instrument, operating means accessible near said one longitudinal end for pivoting said deflector means in a single plane about a pivot axis, and for thereby moving said projecting tip, said optical system having an optical axis extending outward of said forward end portion through said window, the improvement which comprises: said window and said opening being juxtaposed, and said plane of pivoting of said deflector means about said pivot axis obliquely intersecting a portion of said optical axis spaced from said window outward of said forward end portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
244 words
In an endoscope including an elongated flexible tube, a control housing at one longitudinal end of said tube, a forward end portion extending from the other longitudinal end of said tube in the direction of elongation of said tube, an optical observation system including an objective and an observation window in said forward end portion, an eyepiece on said control housing, image transmitting means in said tube for transmitting an image from said objective to said eyepiece, an illuminating system for projecting light from said forward end portion toward an object to be viewed, said tube enclosing a guide channel terminating at an opening in said end portion, said guide channel being dimensioned for receiving an elongated instrument in a position in which the tip of said instrument projects from said opening while the rear end of said instrument is accessible near said one longitudinal end, deflector means engageable in said forward end portion with said instrument, operating means accessible near said one longitudinal end for pivoting said deflector means in a single plane about a pivot axis, and for thereby moving said projecting tip, said optical system having an optical axis extending outward of said forward end portion through said window, the improvement which comprises: said window and said opening being juxtaposed, and said plane of pivoting of said deflector means about said pivot axis obliquely intersecting a portion of said optical axis spaced from said window outward of said forward end portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
In an endoscope as set forth in claim 1, said opening and said window being juxtaposed transversely of said direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
In an endoscope as set forth in claim 2, said opening and said window being offset from each other substantially in the direction of said pivot axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
In an endoscope as set forth in claim 3, said optical axis being transverse to said direction of elongation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-11-21 | 1976-05-22 | 1976-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-21 | 1980-05-22 | 1980-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-21 | 1984-05-22 | 1984-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |