US4378952A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dynamic image enhancer for fiberscopes
Assignee: Warner Lambert Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1980-08-15
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Granted: 1983-04-05
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Expires: 2000-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A fiberscope objective having an oscillating lens element which causes images formed by the objective to scan across a receiving end of an image-transporting fiber bundle for increased image resolution and bundle blemish suppression. Synchronous scanning of the opposite bundle end renders transported images stationary for viewing.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter P. Siegmund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:53
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G02B6/065; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4204; G02B6/4206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
In a dynamic image enhancing system for fiberscopes, the improvement comprising: a distal image-forming objective having first and second lenses, the first of said lenses being fixed in aligned spaced relationship with one end of an image-transporting fiber bundle of a fiberscope incorporating said image-enhancing system and the second of said lenses being positioned between said first lens and fiber bundle; means permitting pivoting of said second lens relative to said one end of said fiber bundle; and means for effecting said pivoting in controlled oscillating fashion for causing images produced by said objective to repeatedly scan across said one end of said fiber bundle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a dynamic image enhancing system for fiberscopes, the improvement comprising: a distal image-forming objective having first and second lenses, the first of said lenses being fixed in aligned spaced relationship with one end of an image-transporting fiber bundle of a fiberscope incorporating said image-enhancing system and the second of said lenses being positioned between said first lens and fiber bundle; means permitting pivoting of said second lens relative to said one end of said fiber bundle; and means for effecting said pivoting in controlled oscillating fashion for causing images produced by said objective to repeatedly scan across said one end of said fiber bundle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said first lens and said one end of said fiber bundle are substantially aligned on a common axis and said second lens is pivoted about a second axis extending approximately right-angularly through said common axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said means for pivoting said second lens includes a permanent magnet and adjacent AC solenoid, one being stationary and the other fixed to said second lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement according to claim 3 wherein said magnet is ring-shaped and fixed to said second lens, said solenoid being mounted upon said fiber bundle adjacent said one end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said second lens is provided with a flat image-emitting surface adjacent said one end of said fiberscope and an opposite curved surface, said second axis extending across said flat surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement according to claim 5 wherein said second lens has a center thickness dimension approximately equal to the radius of said curved surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement according to claim 1 including means proximally of said fiberscope for scanning the opposite end of said image-transporting fiber bundle synchronously with said scanning of said one end thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a dynamic image enhancing system for fiberscopes, the improvement comprising: an image transporting fiber bundle, an objective lens in aligned spaced relationship with one end of the fiber bundle, at least one component of said objective being arranged to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of said objective and means for effecting said pivoting in controlled oscillating fashion for causing images produced by said objective to repeatedly scan across said one end of said fiber bundle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a dynamic image enhancing system for fiberscopes, the improvement comprising: an image transporting fiber bundle, an objective lens in aligned spaced relationship with one end of the fiber bundle, at least one component of said objective being arranged to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of said objective and means for effecting said pivoting in controlled oscillating fashion for causing images produced by said objective to repeatedly scan across said one end of said fiber bundle.
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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) | 1986-04-04 | 1986-10-04 | 1987-04-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-04 | 1990-10-04 | 1991-04-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-04 | 1994-10-04 | 1995-04-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |