Digital otoscope

US11805990B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WELCH ALLYN, INC. · US

Inventors

• Eric M. Andreassen · Camillus, US
• David M. Fallat · Auburn, US
• Ervin Goldfain · Syracuse, US
• John R. Strom · Moravia, US
• John T. Delaney · Auburn, US
• Howard Haines · Auburn, US
• Corinn C. Fahrenkrug · Liverpool, US
• Cynthia A. Kuiper · Syracuse, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 13, 2021
• Grant date: Nov 7, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 21, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B1/00096
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm. The distance range of optimal focus includes a location at a working distance equal to about 30 mm.