Fiber-optic image-carrying device
US4772093A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S600/92
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An elongated image-carrying member that enables microendoscopy to be practiced using normal-sized catheters, includes a drawn, fused, central multi-fiber micro-unit of about 0.5 mm diameter, having about 2,000 glass fibers in coherent array, with a polymeric coating bonded to its pristine as-drawn outer surface. This combination achieves sufficient flexibility and optical qualities to enable effective use to provide vision for inspection of small passages and ducts. Flexible image-carrying members having diameter of 0.5 millimeter or less and catheters of diameter of 3 mm or less incorporating such members and effective working channels are achievable. For vision in remote areas, the micro-unit is employed with a substantially spherical lens with an ocular system for providing a focus range from less than about 2 mm to infinity and having resolution of detail down to the order of about 0.001 inch. The micro-optical member may be employed with a handpiece in a vision system, the micro-optical member being joined to the handpiece by a detachable connector having a stepped structure for precise alignment between the handle and the micro-optical member. By application of a relatively t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.