Endoscope with tab imager package

Claim 1

An endoscope that includes an insertion tube having a distal end and a proximal end for connecting the insertion tube to a video processor, lens means mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube for focussing a target image upon a plane, means for redirecting said target image into a plane that is non-perpendicular with the axis of the lens means, a TAB imager package containing a solid state imager having an image recording surface mounted in said non-perpendicular plane, a transparent window having a shape substantially equal to that of the imager and being mounted over said image recording surface and fine pitched leads extending outwardly from opposing sides of said imager from between the imager and the window, a circuit board having a thickness about equal to that of said imager, said circuit board having an opening passing therethrough for containing said imager therein so that the imager leads pass along the top surface of said circuit board to both sides of imager, electrical circuitry mounted on at least one side of said board, and traces on said board for connecting said leads to said circuitry.