Patent · US Expired

Endoscope

US5257618A · kind A · utility

67Cited by
5References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 6, 1991
Grant dateNov 2, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 6, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B23/26
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An endoscope has a flexible insert portion that is inserted into an object to be inspected. A light guide, an image guide or signal cable, an instrument channel and other lengthwise members are provided therein. At least one elastic restoring body is provided in the insert portion in order to restore the lengthwise members to their original positions when straightened back after bending or curving of the insert portion.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.