Linvatec Corporation

Envision Medical Corporation

Allied Corporation

Gyrex Corp.

Mountain Medical Equipment, Inc.

Robert R Walls

Craig J Speier

Peter Schillke

Thomas R Deppmeier

Josiah E Verkaik

David A D'Alfonso

Wayne Upton

James R Higson

An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Endoscope and related system

An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath.

Endoscope with large diameter distal end

A shock mounting system for a 3-chip video camera. The system comprises a pair of support plates for spanning the junctions between the various components (prisms, etc.) of a standard charge coupled device (CCD) color camera having 3 CCD's, and an elastomeric boot molded to fit between the CCD camera assembly and the housing within which it is situated. The support plates are made of a material having similar thermal characteristics to the CCD assembly and are suspended within the elastomeric boot.

Shock mounting system for CCD camera

A video camera head configured for use with an endoscope and having a conductive inner chamber for shielding the imager and imager electronics from electro-magnetic interference is described in which the inner chamber is substantially isolated from contact by a human or conductive fluid through a sealed outer non-conductive housing. Another aspect of the invention involves hermetically sealing the inner chamber, thus facilitating the use of steam autoclave sterilization, including flash sterilization, to sterilize the camera head.

Electrically-isolated, sterilizable, endoscopic video camera head

A video camera system is provided in which the camera head is powered at least in part by electrical energy converted from optical energy provided by a light source. In one implementation, communication between the camera head and control circuitry thereof occurs by means of a wireless communications interface.

Video camera system and related method

Electrically isolated sterilizable endoscopic video camera head

An apparatus and related method for protecting a CCD from thermal damage or degradation, including a housing having double walls separated by a vacuum, and a support member for positioning the CCD within the housing. The housing may also act as a barrier to electromagnetic interference and contaminants.

Sterilizable CCD video camera

An ultrasonic nebulizer is of the type having a piezoelectric transducer communicating with a fluid reservoir and is characterized by having a protective cover of a predetermined wavelength which is superimposed on the transducer, an elastomeric boot in surrounding relation to the cover to prevent fluid loss from the interface between the cover and transducer, and an oil coupling medium is disposed in the interface for coupling the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the cover.

Ultrasonic nebulizer

A continuous process for applying a solder coating to copper-coated holes and tracks on a printed circuit board. The upper surface of the circuit board having a flux thereon is contacted with a contact member and the circuit board and contact member are moved through a molten bath of solder. Solder is displaced by the circuit board to produce a buoyant force which presses the circuit board against the contact member. The speed of the contact member in moving through the molten solder is controlled to determine dwell time of the circuit board and maintain contact between the circuit board and the contact member. An apparatus for continuously applying a solder coating to copper-coated holes and tracks on a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes means to contain a bath of molten solder and means to contact the upper surface of a printed circuit board. Also, the apparatus includes means to move the contacted circuit board through the bath of molten solder as the displaced solder exerts an upward buoyant force against the circuit board.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Robert R Walls