Miniature endoscope with imaging fiber system
US6863651B2 · kind B2 · utility
63Cited by
15References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/0025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope has a fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.