Otoscope

US7399275B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WELCH ALLYN, INC. · US

Inventors

• Ervin Goldfain · Syracuse, US
• Steven R. Slawson · Camillus, US
• Eric M. Andreassen · Camillus, US
• Cynthia A. Kuiper · Syracuse, US
• Elizabeth P. Staples · Cayuga, US
• Raymond A. Lia · Skaneateles Falls, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2004
• Grant date: Jul 15, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B1/2275
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An otoscope permitting examination of a patient's ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imaging lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imaging lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imaging lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pupil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.