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EP0501088B1 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Endoscope with proximal coupled camera

Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
•
Filing: 1991-12-24
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Granted: 1995-10-11
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Expires: 2011-12-24
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Abstract

Abstract In the endoscope (1) having a lens of a camera (6), preferably a video camera, which can be proximally coupled to the eyepiece, the camera lens (6) is mounted so as to be freely rotatable on the proximal end of the eyepiece funnel (4) of the endoscope (1). The camera lens (6) with camera head (10) has a centre of gravity displaced eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, as a result of which the lens (6) retains its position on rotation of the endoscope (1) about its longitudinal axis, so that a rotational movement of the endoscope (1) does not affect the endoscopic image shown on the monitor of a video camera. <IMAGE>

Inventors

  • 👤 Ludwig Bonnet

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-30 18:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/04; A61B1/042

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim 87 words
Endoscope (1) having a lens (6) of a camera, in particular a video camera, coupled proximally and releasably, wherein means for compensating image rotations are provided, characterised in that the camera lens (6) is mounted on the endoscope (1) to be twisted freely, and in that the centre of gravity of the camera parts (6, 7, 10, 11) connected to the endoscope is displaced eccentrically to the axis of rotation so that the camera lens (6) retains its position by oscillating when the endoscope (1) is twisted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 32 words
Endoscope according to claim 1, characterised in that the eccentricity of the centre of gravity mentioned is achieved by means of a pendulum (7) connected to the camera lens and pointing downwards.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 36 words
Endoscope according to claim 1, characterised in that the eccentricity of the centre of gravity mentioned is achieved by means of two stabilisers arranged laterally on the lens mounting and pointing downwards at a diagonal angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 38 words
Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the eyepiece funnel (4) of endoscope (1) is provided with a circular groove (4a) into which locking balls (9) situated in the camera lens mounting engage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 36 words
Endoscope according to claim 4, characterised in that the end of a screw (8) arranged in the lens mounting or the end of pendulum (7) engages in the circular groove (4a) of the eyepiece funnel (4).

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