Stm Medizintechnik Starnberg Gmbh

3-d Image Processing Gmbh

Gerhard Weiglhofer

Fritz Pauker

Robert Pauker

Thomas Viebach

Thomas Viehbach

Rolf Henkel

Gerhard Buchmann

The invention pertains to an image processing device, in particular a device for stereoscopic image processing, and to a coherence detector used thereon. The image processing device can process stereoscopic images in real time and can be implemented with simple means and low expense. Two alternative embodiments of the coherence detector are disclosed. The image signals can be processed at the speed that they are supplied by image receivers, and thus image data processing is possible to attain depth information with little expense and in real time.

3D stereo real-time sensor system, method and computer program therefor

A flexible trocar assembly includes an inner flexible tube and a concentric outer flexible tube. The flexible tubes are spaced apart from each other so as to form an open ended annular space in the trocar assembly. The annular space contains surgical instrumentation and passages for inflation gases, trocar assembly rigidifying gases or materials, and trocar manipulating mechanisms. For example, fiber optic light transmitters associated with camera-related fiber optics can be disposed in the annular space so that an area in a body cavity being examined can be illuminated and observed. Trocar manipulating mechanisms such as Bowden cables can also be disposed in the annular space. Liquid flushing tubes can be positioned in the annular space. Carbon dioxide or air injecting tubes can be positioned in the annular space. The inner flexible tube defines a central trocar assembly passage through which surgical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity. The trocar assembly is particularly useful in performing surgical procedures in the colon. An invertable tube assembly is associated with the trocar assembly and is used to move the trocar assembly into and out of the body cavity. The invertible tube embraces the trocar assembly and the invertible tube is moved forward and backward by a controlled drive mechanism. Lubrication is provided between the invertible tube and the trocar assembly so as to reduce friction between the invertible tube drive mechanism and the trocar assembly.

Flexible trocar with an upturning tube system

A drive mechanism for moving a shaft or rod along its central axis that utilizes a flexible eversion tube surrounding a portion of and slidingly engaged to the outer surface of the shaft or rod. The drive mechanism uses at least one wheel group having two or more drive wheels that are coplanar with each other and, along the shaft's axis of movement, are aligned with each other and spaced apart. The drive wheels are in compressive contact with a central portion of the flexible eversion tube. The at least one wheel group is supported and located around the central portion by a sleeve that surrounds the central portion of the eversion tube. The sleeve contains slits that permit the individual wheels to contact the central portion of the tube and a casing having two pivotally connected halves that when clamped together, seal the wheel groups and sleeve within its cavity and enable a drive source to drive the wheels.

Drive means for flexible eversion tube system

The invention relates to a roll-back tube construction, preferably for use with a flexible endoscope shaft, with a silicone roll-back tube consisting of an inner tube section which at least at one turn-back area is turned back to form an outer tube section and is provided with a reinforcement. The reinforcement preferably consists of a nylon filament winding with a pitch of 0.2 to 2 mm about a silicone tube, which reinforcement is in turn surrounded by a silicone covering. The roll-back tube construction is designed in accordance with the type of tube which can be rolled back at both ends, where front and rear outer tube sections are connected at one end by a tube-guiding sleeve arranged between them, through which an inner tube section extends. The tube-guiding sleeve is used for mounting a roll-back tube drive.

Reinforced roll-back tube for use with endoscopes and the like

A roll-back tube system, preferably for an endoscope, for moving an inner shaft which is guided in a roll-back tube of the type that is rolled back at both ends. The tube is driven via a number of friction wheels, suction cups or tracks which act on an inner tube section in order to drive the system in a continuous movement. In order to seal off the gap between the shaft and the inner tube section, front and rear turn-back areas in each case form a bead which bears sealingly on the shaft. The admission of lubricant into the gap between shaft and inner tube section takes place via an essentially radial shaft bore in the area of the roll-back tube, which shaft bore is either connected to an external admission line via the shaft cavity or an inner line, or else via a rear clamping piece by means of a lubricant injection shoe adapted to the shaft surface.

Growing community of inventors

Schwabhausen/Weil, Germany

Gerhard Weiglhofer