Surgery – Endoscope – Having imaging and illumination means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-08
2001-08-07
Leubecker, John P. (Department: 3739)
Surgery
Endoscope
Having imaging and illumination means
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270454
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 6-151890 (filed on Jul. 4, 1994), 6-155535 (filed on Jul. 7, 1994), 7-94623 (filed on Apr. 20, 1995), 7-94624 (filed on Apr. 20, 1995) and 7-94625 (filed on Apr. 20, 1995), which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable endoscope system in which a unit for supplying illuminating light to an illuminating light guide is detachably attached to an endoscope control part.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional portable endoscope system has a light-emitting device for illumination which is provided in an endoscope control part. In general, an illuminating light supply unit which contains a miniature bulb and a dry battery is merely attached to the control part.
Accordingly, when the endoscope system is dipped in a disinfectant, it is likely that the disinfectant will enter the inside of the endoscope, causing electrical and mechanical failures. For this reason, it is not easy to sufficiently wash and disinfect the endoscope after use. However, if washing and disinfection of the endoscope are insufficient, there is a fear that bacteria and viruses may be transmitted from one patient to another through the contaminated endoscope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system which can be sufficiently washed and disinfected without a fear of a disinfectant entering the inside of the endoscope even when it is dipped in the disinfectant.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments of the invention.
According to the present invention, there is provided a portable endoscope system having an illuminating light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object; and an illuminating light supply unit for supplying illuminating light to the illuminating light guide. The entrance end portion of the illuminating light guide is disposed in an endoscope control part. The portable endoscope system includes a device for detachably connecting together the illuminating light supply unit and the control part, and a device for sealing a joint between the illuminating light supply unit and the control part, which is made by the connecting device, in a watertight manner so that no water will externally enter the portable endoscope system in a state where the illuminating light supply unit is attached to the control part.
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Adachi Rensuke
Ikeda Kunitoshi
Kaneko Kunikiyo
Koeda Takashi
Sano Hiroshi
Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Greenblum & Bernstein P.L.C.
Leubecker John P.
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