Digital otoscope

US8066634B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WELCH ALLYN, INC. · US

Inventors

• Eric M. Andreassen · Camillus, US
• David M. Fallat · Auburn, US
• Ervin Goldfain · Syracuse, US
• John R. Strom · Moravia, US
• John T. Delaney · Auburn, US
• Howard Haines · Auburn, US
• Corinn C. Fahrenkrug · Liverpool, US
• Cynthia A. Kuiper · Syracuse, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 27, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B1/00096
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A digital otoscope for capturing live and still digital images of body tissue and having associated optical characteristics that improve the quality of visual information gathered for medical inspection of both human and veterinary subjects. The digital otoscope includes a tip element having dimensions that are small enough to fit into a small body cavity, such as an ear canal. The tip element and the otoscope enclose an assembly of optical components yielding optical characteristics that provide a substantially wide field of view and a substantially wide range of optimal focus from which to form visual information within a small and confined body cavity.