Patent FR1455991A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5701155A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Processor module for video inspection probe
Assignee: Waygate Technologies USA LP
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Filing: 1995-12-28
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Granted: 1997-12-23
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Expires: 2015-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A plug-in module for a video probe has a housing which contains video processing circuitry to receive a video output from a miniature video imager and produces a video signal suitable to apply, without further processing, to a video monitor. The module plugs into a mating socket of a power and illumination unit. A fiber optic bundle extends into a sleeve protruding from a proximal face of the module, and is positioned at the focus of a small, high efficacy lamp assembly. The housing of the plug-in module environmentally seals the electronic circuitry.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Wood
- 👤 Michael J. Piloski
- 👤 Gregory E. Pasik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/04; A61B1/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
A video inspection probe by which a visual image of a remote target is reproduced on a video monitor of the type requiring a standard format video signal, and in which lens means focusses the image of the target onto a solid state imager which provides a video output for applying to said video monitor, comprising probe tube means carrying said lens means and said imager, and a processor module attached to a proximal end of said probe tube means including: a module housing; video processing circuit means contained within said housing and electrically coupled to said imager for processing said video output furnished by said imager and providing a standard format processed video output signal suitable to supply, without further processing, to said video monitor to reproduce said visual image thereon; and coupler means carried on said housing and having electrical power contacts to which power is delivered and applied to said video processing circuit means and output contacts for providing said standard format processed video output signal from said video processing circuit means to said monitor, wherein said module housing has a profile in cross section which is oblong with one or more protruding ribs for fitting into a mating recess of a power and illumination source, said mating recess having an oblong profile with one or more cutouts to receive said ribs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
A video inspection probe by which a visual image of a remote target is reproduced on a video monitor of the type requiring a standard format video signal, and in which lens means focusses the image of the target onto a solid state imager which provides a video output for applying to said video monitor, comprising probe tube means carrying said lens means and said imager, and a processor module attached to a proximal end of said probe tube means including: a module housing; video processing circuit means contained within said housing and electrically coupled to said imager for processing said video output furnished by said imager and providing a standard format processed video output signal suitable to supply, without further processing, to said video monitor to reproduce said visual image thereon; and coupler means carried on said housing and having electrical power contacts to which power is delivered and applied to said video processing circuit means and output contacts for providing said standard format processed video output signal from said video processing circuit means to said monitor, wherein said module housing has a profile in cross section which is oblong with one or more protruding ribs for fitting into a mating recess of a power and illumination source, said mating recess having an oblong profile with one or more cutouts to receive said ribs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
118 words
A video inspection probe comprising: a body; a solid-state imager positioned within said body for viewing a target; focussing means including at least one optical component for focussing an optical image of said target onto said imager; and an umbilical cable non-detachably connected at one end to said body, said cable having a processing module non-detachably connected at an opposite end, said module including a compact housing having video processing circuitry means retained therein for processing a signal of said target from said imager into a video monitor-ready video signal, said compact housing being detachably engageable with a combined light and power supply unit, said unit having receiving means including a cavity for accommodating said compact housing therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
118 words
A video inspection probe comprising: a body; a solid-state imager positioned within said body for viewing a target; focussing means including at least one optical component for focussing an optical image of said target onto said imager; and an umbilical cable non-detachably connected at one end to said body, said cable having a processing module non-detachably connected at an opposite end, said module including a compact housing having video processing circuitry means retained therein for processing a signal of said target from said imager into a video monitor-ready video signal, said compact housing being detachably engageable with a combined light and power supply unit, said unit having receiving means including a cavity for accommodating said compact housing therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 2, wherein said module housing includes coupler means for electrically interconnecting said light and power supply unit with said probe when said housing is attached thereto through said cavity and means for transmitting a processed video signal to a monitor attached to said light and power supply unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 3, further including an illumination conduit extending from said combined light and power supply unit to said probe through said umbilical cable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 3, wherein said module housing is environmentally sealed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 2, wherein said probe is an endoscope.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 2, wherein said probe is a borescope.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
A video inspection probe as recited in claim 2, wherein said housing has a profile in cross section which is oblong with at least one protruding rib member for fitting into said cavity, said cavity having at least corresponding cutout for receiving said at least one rib member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
126 words
A video inspection system comprising video inspection probe including body; solid-state imager positioned within said body for viewing a target; focussing means including at least one optical component for focussing an optical image of said target onto said imager; an umbilical cable non-detachably connected at one end to said body, said cable having a processing module non-detachably connected at an opposite end, said module including a compact housing having video processing circuitry means retained therein for processing a signal of said target from said imager into a video monitor-ready video signal; a combined light and power supply unit having receiving means including a socket sized for accommodating said compact housing therein; and a video monitor for displaying a video signal processed by said processing circuitry means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
126 words
A video inspection system comprising video inspection probe including body; solid-state imager positioned within said body for viewing a target; focussing means including at least one optical component for focussing an optical image of said target onto said imager; an umbilical cable non-detachably connected at one end to said body, said cable having a processing module non-detachably connected at an opposite end, said module including a compact housing having video processing circuitry means retained therein for processing a signal of said target from said imager into a video monitor-ready video signal; a combined light and power supply unit having receiving means including a socket sized for accommodating said compact housing therein; and a video monitor for displaying a video signal processed by said processing circuitry means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9, wherein said housing has a profile in cross section which is oblong with at least one protruding rib member for fitting into said cavity, said cavity having at least corresponding cutout for receiving said at least one rib member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9 wherein said module housing includes coupler means for electrically interconnecting said light and power supply unit with said probe when said housing is attached thereto through said cavity and means for transmitting a processed video signal to said monitor attached to said light and power supply unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9 further including an illumination conduit extending from said combined light and power supply unit to said probe through said umbilical cable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9 wherein said probe is an endoscope.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9 wherein said probe is a borescope.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9 wherein said module housing is environmentally sealed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
A video inspection system as recited in claim 9, including at least two video inspection probes, each said inspection probe having different video processing circuitry means retained in a processing module housing, each said housing being sized to interchangeably fit within said cavity of said combined light and power supply unit.
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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) | 2000-12-22 | 2001-06-23 | 2001-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-12-22 | 2005-06-23 | 2005-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-06-23 | 2009-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |