US4219013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Forward viewing endoscope with specific cover for photographic cassette opening
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1977-12-30
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Granted: 1980-08-26
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Expires: 1997-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A forward viewing tape endoscope comprises a head body having a photographic optical system disposed at the forward end of the head body and a film cassette chamber provided behind the photographic optical system, an outer tube surrounding the head body and having an opening bored in the peripheral wall to effect communication between the film cassette chamber and outer tube, and a cover detachably mounted on the opening by a tightening device. The replacement of a film cassette is carried out without the insertion and withdrawal of the head body and the undesirable exposure of the photographic optical system to the atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 Hachioji Okada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:03
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/04; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/0008; A61B1/00089; A61B1/00096; A61B1/00101; G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A forward viewing type endoscope including a head portion which comprises: a head body having a forward end portion; an optical system provided in the head body; a film cassette chamber formed behind the optical system in the head body; an outer tube surrounding the head body; an opening formed in the outer tube in registration with the film cassette chamber for inserting the film cassette, and removing the film cassette from the film cassette chamber therethrough; a detachable cover having a shape substantially complementary to the opening and fitted in the opening; a packing disposed between the opening and the cover extending about the edges of the cover and the opening for effecting a liquid-tight seal between the outer tube and the cover; and tightening means provided on the forward end of the head portion for securely sealing the cover in position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A forward viewing type endoscope including a head portion which comprises: a head body having a forward end portion; an optical system provided in the head body; a film cassette chamber formed behind the optical system in the head body; an outer tube surrounding the head body; an opening formed in the outer tube in registration with the film cassette chamber for inserting the film cassette, and removing the film cassette from the film cassette chamber therethrough; a detachable cover having a shape substantially complementary to the opening and fitted in the opening; a packing disposed between the opening and the cover extending about the edges of the cover and the opening for effecting a liquid-tight seal between the outer tube and the cover; and tightening means provided on the forward end of the head portion for securely sealing the cover in position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
An endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said tightening means comprises a tightening member threadably engaging the forward end of the head portion and provided at one end thereof with an engagement section for engaging the corresponding end of the cover, and a connection ring connected to the rear end of the head portion and having an engagement section for engaging the other end of the cover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
An endoscope according to claim 2, wherein said engagement sections of said tightening member and connection ring each have a conical inner surface, and said ends of said cover each have a conical outer surface complementary to the respective conical inner surface of the engagement section of the tightening member and connection ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
An endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the tightening member is provided with screw threads mating with screw threads on the forward end of the head portion to form a screw connection for securely sealing the cover in position and a protective member of a soft material is mounted on the tightening member overlapping and sealing said screw connection.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-26 | 1984-02-25 | 1984-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-02-25 | 1988-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-26 | 1992-02-25 | 1992-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |