Instrument for visual observation utilizing fiber optics
US4702571A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 1985 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B23/2453
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument includes a main housing, carrying laterally adjustable eyepieces, and a probe housing which is connected to the main housing by means of a flexible joint or coupler. This flexible joint allows relative articulation and rotation of the two housings, and is provided with locking means for selectively locking and unlocking the joint. The joint area is enclosed with a liquid sealing boot; and operating levers for the lock may be actuated through the boot. The optics include left and right proximal lens systems disposed in respective eyepieces, distal left and right lens systems disposed at the distal end of the probe housing, and inter-connecting elongated flexible image conducting fiber bundles which pass through the flexible coupling. The distal lens systems are mounted with their optical axes converging toward each other to enable depth perception of the area to be viewed. An elongated flexible light conducting fiber bundle extends from the distal end of the probe housing to an adaptor in the main housing for connection to a suitable light source to project light to the area to be viewed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.