US4991957A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Borescope apparatus
Assignee: Olympus Corp
•
Filing: 1988-09-06
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Granted: 1991-02-12
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Expires: 2008-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A borescope apparatus having a borescope and a pressurized fluid supply device. The borescope has an operation unit and an insertion unit. The insertion unit comprises a bending tube portion, a jet port member coupled to a proximal end of the bending tube portion, and a flexible tube portion. The bending tube portion can be bent by operating the operation unit. The jet port member has a jet port. A pressuring fluid is supplied from the fluid supply unit to the jet port member, and is ejected through the jet port. The flexible tube portion can be bent by a jet of the fluid from through the jet port independently of the bending tube portion.
Inventors
- 👤 Nobuyuki Sakamoto
- 👤 Yoshio Shishido
- 👤 Masahiro Kumakura
- 👤 Morihide Mizumoto
- 👤 Morihide Tojo
- 👤 Ryouji Masubuchi
- 👤 Atsushi Miyazaki
- 👤 Satoshi Tagami
- 👤 Hiroshi Hasegawa
- 👤 Shinichi Nishigaki
- 👤 Yasuhiro Ueda
- 👤 toshiaki Nishikiori
- 👤 Kunio Kinoshita
- 👤 Takeaki Nakamura
- 👤 Eiichi Fuse
- 👤 Yoshisada Aoki
- 👤 Kazuhiro Misono
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:58
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00147; A61B1/00156; A61B1/00002; A61B1/00043; A61B1/00045; A61B1/0005; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/0008; A61B1/00091; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/009; A61B1/04; A61B1/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A borescope apparatus comprising: (A) a borescope including: a. an operation unit; b. an insertion unit having a bending tube portion being bent by operating the operation unit, a jet port member connected to a proximal end of the bending tube portion and having a jet port for ejecting a fluid, and a flexible tube portion connected to the jet port member and being bent by fluid jet from the jet port, independently of the bending tube portion; and (B) pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet port of said jet port member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A borescope apparatus comprising: (A) a borescope including: a. an operation unit; b. an insertion unit having a bending tube portion being bent by operating the operation unit, a jet port member connected to a proximal end of the bending tube portion and having a jet port for ejecting a fluid, and a flexible tube portion connected to the jet port member and being bent by fluid jet from the jet port, independently of the bending tube portion; and (B) pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet port of said jet port member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to said jet port and remote-controlling said insertion unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said jet port member has a plurality of jet ports.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising control means for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to said jet ports and remote-controlling said insertion unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said control means has angle-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid, adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through said jet ports, thereby to bend said insertion unit to a desired degree in a predetermined direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising detector means for detecting the direction in which said fluid applies a thrust to said insertion unit, and display means for displaying the direction detected by said detector means, in a view field of the borescope or in the vicinity thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises: detector means for detecting the pressure of the pressurized fluid being supplied to said jet port, and generating a signal representing this pressure; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, thereby to maintain the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port, at a constant value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises: detector means for detecting the degree of bending of said insertion unit, and generating a signal representing the degree of bending; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, thereby to maintain the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises means for intermittently ejecting the pressurized fluid through said jet port.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises fluid-adjusting means provided in said jet port, for adjusting the stream of the fluid being ejected through said jet port.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said fluid-adjusting means includes pressure-adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said fluid-adjusting means includes flow rate-adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through said jet port.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises direction-changing means for changing the direction in which the fluid is being ejected through said jet port.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control means is incorporated in said operation unit and comprises means for operating said direction-changing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said direction-changing means has a member rotatably attached to the distal end of said insertion unit and having a center of rotation and a center of gravity displaced from the center of rotation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said direction-changing means has an adapter detachably coupled to the distal end of said insertion unit and having a jet port for ejecting the fluid in a specified direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a suction tube having two ends, the first end projecting into said jet port, and the second end opening at the outer surface of said insertion unit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising guide means for guiding the fluid from said jet port in a specified direction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The borescope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said jet port is in the form of an elongated slit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
101 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressured fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said insertion unit has a plurality of jet ports; and detector means for detecting a direction in which said fluid applies a thrust to said insertion unit, and display means for displaying the direction detected by said detector means, in a view field of the borescope or in the vicinity thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
101 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressured fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said insertion unit has a plurality of jet ports; and detector means for detecting a direction in which said fluid applies a thrust to said insertion unit, and display means for displaying the direction detected by said detector means, in a view field of the borescope or in the vicinity thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
115 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises: detector means for detecting a pressure of the pressurized fluid being supplied to said jet port, and for generating a signal representing the pressure; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, and for maintaining the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port, at a constant value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
115 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises: detector means for detecting a pressure of the pressurized fluid being supplied to said jet port, and for generating a signal representing the pressure; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, and for maintaining the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port, at a constant value.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
113 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises detector means for detecting a degree of bending of said insertion unit; and for generating a signal representing the degree of bending; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, and for maintaining the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port, at a desired value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
113 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises detector means for detecting a degree of bending of said insertion unit; and for generating a signal representing the degree of bending; and pressure-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid in accordance with the signal supplied from said detector means, and for maintaining the pressure of the fluid being ejected through said jet port, at a desired value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
66 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises means for intermittently ejecting the pressurized fluid through said jet port.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
66 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an operation unit; an insertion unit having a jet port for ejecting a fluid; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to said jet port; and control means provided in said operation unit, for regulating the pressurized fluid and for remote-controlling said insertion unit; wherein said control means comprises means for intermittently ejecting the pressurized fluid through said jet port.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
185 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: (A) an insertion unit having a rear end portion and a jet port for ejecting a fluid; (B) an operation unit connected to the rear end portion of the insertion unit; (C) pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet port; and (D) control means, provided in the operation unit, for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to the jet port and for remote-controlling the insertion unit, said control means including, (a) adjusting means for adjusting the fluid being ejected from the jet port, (b) angle-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid, adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports, and for bending the insertion unit to a desired degree in a predetermined direction, said angle-adjusting means having, angle knob means for setting the curve angle of the floated insertion unit, encoder means for outputting a signal to the control unit in accordance with the angle of rotation and the direction of rotation of the angle knob, and control unit means for controlling a regulator, upon receiving a signal from the encoder.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
185 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: (A) an insertion unit having a rear end portion and a jet port for ejecting a fluid; (B) an operation unit connected to the rear end portion of the insertion unit; (C) pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet port; and (D) control means, provided in the operation unit, for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to the jet port and for remote-controlling the insertion unit, said control means including, (a) adjusting means for adjusting the fluid being ejected from the jet port, (b) angle-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid, adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports, and for bending the insertion unit to a desired degree in a predetermined direction, said angle-adjusting means having, angle knob means for setting the curve angle of the floated insertion unit, encoder means for outputting a signal to the control unit in accordance with the angle of rotation and the direction of rotation of the angle knob, and control unit means for controlling a regulator, upon receiving a signal from the encoder.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
182 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an insertion unit having a plurality of jet ports for ejecting a fluid; an operation unit connected to the insertion unit; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet ports; and control means for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to the jet ports and for remote-controlling the insertion unit, said control means including: adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports; and angle-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid, for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports, and for bending the insertion unit to a desired degree in a predetermined direction; and said angle-adjusting means including: floating curve angle setting means for setting a curve angle of the insertion unit being floated; control unit means for controlling a regulator, upon receiving a signal from the floating curve angle setting means; and regulator means for controlling the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports on the basis of a signal supplied from the control unit means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
182 words
A borescope apparatus, comprising: an insertion unit having a plurality of jet ports for ejecting a fluid; an operation unit connected to the insertion unit; pressurized fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the jet ports; and control means for controlling the pressurized fluid being supplied to the jet ports and for remote-controlling the insertion unit, said control means including: adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports; and angle-adjusting means for controlling the pressurized fluid, for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports, and for bending the insertion unit to a desired degree in a predetermined direction; and said angle-adjusting means including: floating curve angle setting means for setting a curve angle of the insertion unit being floated; control unit means for controlling a regulator, upon receiving a signal from the floating curve angle setting means; and regulator means for controlling the flow rate of the fluid being ejected through the jet ports on the basis of a signal supplied from the control unit means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said floating curve angle setting means includes: rotatable angle knob means for setting the curve angle of the insertion unit being floated; and encoder means for outputting a signal to the control unit in accordance with the angle of rotation and the direction of rotation of the angle knob means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said floating curve angle setting means includes pressure control switch means for outputting to the control unit means a signal representing the curve angle of the floated insertion unit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said pressurized fluid supply means has a pressurized fluid source, and a pipe connecting the pressurized fluid source and the jet ports, and said regulator means has variable valve means for controlling compressed air fed from the pressurized fluid source to the jet ports, on the basis of a signal from the control unit means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-11 | 1994-08-13 | 1995-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-08-13 | 1999-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-13 | 2003-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |