US6735462B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for infrared imaging in small passageways
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 2000-12-21
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Granted: 2004-05-11
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Expires: 2020-12-21
Abstract
Abstract An infrared imaging system ( 10 ) includes a catheter ( 11 ). The catheter is inserted into a small passageway, such as a blood vein ( 23 ), in order to collect infrared information from the vein. The information is refracted by at least one lens ( 32, 46, 52, 57, 63 ) in a collecting section ( 17, 45, 56, 61 ) of the catheter, and is imaged onto the ends ( 38 ) of an array of optical fibers ( 34 ). The fibers transmit the information to a relay lens ( 42 ), which images the information onto respective detector elements of an infrared detector ( 12 ). The infrared detector converts the information received from the relay lens into electrical information, which is transmitted to a circuit ( 13 ). The circuit generates electrical data that is transmitted to a display ( 16 ), which displays a visible image based on the infrared radiation emitted by the scene.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Klocek
- 👤 Douglas W. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/02; A61B5/02007; A61B5/01; A61B5/015; G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2407; G02B23/2423; G02B23/26; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4204; G02B6/4206; G02B6/4298; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G02B6/4249
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
An invasive apparatus for infrared imaging in a small passageway comprising: an elongate optical portion which has first and second ends and which can transmit infrared image information from said first end to said second end; a first section which collects infrared image information and supplies it to said first end of said optical portion, the infrared image information collected from within the passageway; and a second section which includes an infrared image detector that receives infrared image information from said second end of said optical portion wherein said optical portion is flexible plurality of fibers whereby each of said optical fibers includes two end portions which are respectively disposed at said first and second ends and wherein each of said plurality of fibers includes a cladding and includes a core disposed within said cladding; and including a plurality of lens portions which are each associated with and supported in alignment with a respective said fiber at said first end of said elongate portion, and which each concentrate onto said core of said associated fiber the radiation which would otherwise impinge on said cladding of associated fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
An invasive apparatus for infrared imaging in a small passageway comprising: an elongate optical portion which has first and second ends and which can transmit infrared image information from said first end to said second end; a first section which collects infrared image information and supplies it to said first end of said optical portion, the infrared image information collected from within the passageway; and a second section which includes an infrared image detector that receives infrared image information from said second end of said optical portion wherein said optical portion is flexible plurality of fibers whereby each of said optical fibers includes two end portions which are respectively disposed at said first and second ends and wherein each of said plurality of fibers includes a cladding and includes a core disposed within said cladding; and including a plurality of lens portions which are each associated with and supported in alignment with a respective said fiber at said first end of said elongate portion, and which each concentrate onto said core of said associated fiber the radiation which would otherwise impinge on said cladding of associated fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 1 , including a plurality of further lens portions which are each associated with and supported in alignment with a respective said fiber at said second end of said elongate portion, and which each receive and deconcentrate radiation from the core of said associated fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said optical fibers each have a coating which reduces friction between said optical fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said first section includes an aperture stop, and wherein infrared image information collected by said first section passes through said aperture stop.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a sheath, said sheath sealing said optical fibers within said sheath between said first and second ends to form a protective barrier for said optical fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said first section includes a sleeve, said sleeve being supported by said first end of said optical portion, and said sleeve supporting said first section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said first section includes an objective lens supported by said sleeve, said objective lens imaging infrared information collected by said first section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said objective lens is configured to operate within approximately one centimeter of a scene that emits infrared information supplied to said first end of said optical portion, and wherein the distance that radiation travels from said first end to said infrared image detector through said optical portion is substantially longer than a distance that radiation travels from said scene to said first end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said first section includes a conical reflective surface supported by said sleeve, said reflective surface reflecting to said objective lens infrared information being supplied by said first section to said first end of said optical portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said first section includes an additional lens supported by said sleeve, said additional lens cooperating with said objective lens to supply infrared image information to said first end of said optical portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said first section includes a reflective surface supported by said sleeve, said reflective surface reflecting infrared information to said objective lens of said first section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said infrared image detector is an uncooled detector and includes an array of detector elements, and wherein infrared radiation traveling through each of said fibers is directed onto a respective said detector element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said first section and said optical portion each have a maximum transverse dimension less than approximately 3000 micrometers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
An invasive apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said second section includes a relay lens, said relay lens being positioned optically between said infrared image detector and said second end, and directing infrared image information received from said second end onto said infrared image detector.
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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) | 2007-05-11 | 2007-11-10 | 2008-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-05-11 | 2011-11-10 | 2012-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-05-11 | 2015-11-10 | 2016-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |