Welch Allyn, Inc.

Connie R Walts

Robert J Wood

Michael J Pileski

Michael Lynch

Terrence L Salisbury

The invention is a laryngoscope having an image sensor assembly mounted thereto for providing video imaging of a patient's airway passage. The laryngoscope includes a distal end having a tip adapted for contact with tissue of an airway passage and an image sensor assembly mounted to a convex surface of the laryngoscope body so that an image sensor of the assembly is angled away from a tissue contacted by the tip when the laryngoscope is in use. In one embodiment, the image sensor assembly is slidably mounted on a track formed on a curved section of a laryngoscope body so that sliding of the image sensor assembly along the track adjusts the distance of the assembly from a target, and further adjusting the orientation angle of the image sensor assembly.

Video laryngoscope

A fiber optic light cable can transmit light from one or more of multiple light originating areas to a light issuing end of the light cable. A main bundle of optic fibers extends from the light issuing end (or cross-sectional area) of the light cable to a bundle junction area of the light cable. At this bundle junction area, the individual fibers are split into at least two bundle segments. The positions of all the individual fibers of the multiple segments are approximately randomized in the main bundle so that by the time they reach the light issuing end (or cross-sectional area) of the light cable, they are approximately random in position with respect to one another. This produces a generally consistent light spread regardless of which light originating area is illuminated. The light cable can be employed in conjunction with a light box having two or more lamps so that when one burns out, another may be quickly activated to continue illumination at the distal end of the tool. Alternatively, multiple lamps may be operated simultaneously to increase illumination.

Bifurcated randomized fiber bundle light cable for directing light from

A nose adapter for use with light boxes that illuminate fiberoptic light bundles. A retaining member is provided with a mounting aperture having predetermined standardized interior dimensions. One or more insert members are each provided with standardized exterior dimensions which are approximately equal to those of the mounting aperture, and with interior dimensions which are approximately equal to those of the end of a particular light bundle. First fastening means allows the light bundle to be easily inserted into and removed from its insert. Second fastening means allows the nose adapter as a whole to be easily attached to and detached from the light box.

Interchangeable nose adapter

A light cable for transmitting light from a light source to the distal end of an imaging tool requiring a beam of directed light. The light cable is provided with a flexible outer cable member including at least one layer of protective material, a bundle of optic fibers contained within said flexible outer cable member, a first adaptor for connecting one end of the light cable to an imaging tool, and a second adaptor for connecting the other end of the light cable to a light box. The second adaptor is formed to split the bundle of optic fibers into at least two end segments. The light cable is employed in conjunction with a light box having two lamps so that when one burns out, the other may be quickly activated to continue illumination at the distal end of the tool. Alternatively, both lamps may be operated simultaniously to increase illunimation.

Growing community of inventors

Auburn, NY, United States of America

Connie R Walts