US4899731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endoscope
Assignee: Olympus Corp
•
Filing: 1988-12-23
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Granted: 1990-02-13
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Expires: 2008-12-23
Abstract
Abstract An endoscope disclosed herein is provided with an operating section and an insertion section having a bending section. Bending members, which are formed of a shape memorizable alloy and are for bending the bending section, are disposed within the bending section of the insertion section and are connected to a power supply unit. This endoscope further comprises a detecting unit for detecting the amount of deformation of the bending members as a change in electric resistance, and a display device for displaying the detected amount of deformation of the bending members. Accordingly, the bending amount of the bending section can accurately be detected and displayed.
Inventors
- 👤 Syuichi Takayama
- 👤 Yasuhiro Ueda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00002; A61B1/00043; A61B1/00045; A61B1/0005; A61B1/005; A61B1/0058; A61B1/009; A61B1/04; A61B1/042; G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2476
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
An endoscope with an operating section and insertion section having a bending section, comprising: a bending member, formed of a shape memorizable alloy and disposed in said bending section of said insertion section, for bending said bending section; a power supply unit connected to said bending member; detecting means for detecting an amount of deformation of said bending member; and display means for displaying said amount of deformation of said bending member; wherein said detecting means comprises a conductive rubber mounted on said bending section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
An endoscope with an operating section and insertion section having a bending section, comprising: a bending member, formed of a shape memorizable alloy and disposed in said bending section of said insertion section, for bending said bending section; a power supply unit connected to said bending member; detecting means for detecting an amount of deformation of said bending member; and display means for displaying said amount of deformation of said bending member; wherein said detecting means comprises a conductive rubber mounted on said bending section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said display means includes a unit for converting said amount of deformation detected by said detecting means into a bent angle measurement, and a cathode ray tube for displaying said bent angle measurement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
An endoscope with an operating section and insertion section having a bending section comprising: a first bending member, formed of a shape memorizable alloy and disposed in said bending section of said insertion section, for bending said bending section; a power supply unit connected to said first bending member; and display means, including a second bending member that deforms at the same time as said first bending member, for displaying an amount of deformation of said bending section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
An endoscope with an operating section and insertion section having a bending section comprising: a first bending member, formed of a shape memorizable alloy and disposed in said bending section of said insertion section, for bending said bending section; a power supply unit connected to said first bending member; and display means, including a second bending member that deforms at the same time as said first bending member, for displaying an amount of deformation of said bending section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein said second bending member is connected in series to said first bending member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein said second bending member is disposed within said operating section and is covered by a transparent cover for external visual confirmation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoscope according to claim 3, further comprising an operating lever mounted with said second bending member, for manipulating said bending section.
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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) | 1993-02-12 | 1993-08-14 | 1994-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-02-12 | 1997-08-14 | 1998-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-02-12 | 2001-08-14 | 2002-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |