Endoscope
US4573450A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/05
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This disclosure depicts an endoscope inserted into a cavity in a human body or a component such as an engine, for observing the interior thereof. In the endoscope according to the present invention, a face plate-shaped image sensor provided on the forward end of an insertion portion can output an optical image obtained through an objective optical system as electric image signals, which can be displayed on a picture plane of a television. This endoscope is disposed on a plane incorporating therein the center axis in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, so that the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope can be reduced in addition to that the size of the image sensor can be secured satisfactorily. Furthermore, in the forward end of the insertion portion of this endoscope according to the present invention, a space sufficient for receiving a forceps channel can be secured at a side opposite to the side, where the objective optical system is disposed, with respect to the image sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.