Video laparoscope with sealed video processor module and illumination unit
US5702345A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/313
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laparoscope is constructed with a plug-in module containing video processing circuitry and coupled through a flexible umbilical to a rigid or partly rigid insertion tube that contains a miniature video camera. A fiber optic bundle for illumination has a bifurcated proximal end with two portions each terminating in respective sleeves that project from the module. The sleeve projects from the module. The sleeves position the illumination bundle portions at the focussed spot of light produced by respective low-power metal halide discharge lamps. A rotary vane shutter is servo controlled to limit the amount of light entering the fiber optic bundle so that the monitor video picture is kept at a constant level. The metal sleeve for the fiber optic bundle ends serve as grounding elements, and are coupled by a grounding pigtail within the module to a ground conductor in the umbilical. A test opening with a threaded plug serves as a pressure test port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.