Illumination system for variable direction of view instruments
US7909756B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/0684
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.