The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 19, 2019
Filed:
Oct. 13, 2010
Hans David Hoeg, Arcadia, CA (US);
Eric L. Hale, Altadena, CA (US);
Nathan Jon Schara, Pasadena, CA (US);
John C. Tesar, Tucson, AZ (US);
Hans David Hoeg, Arcadia, CA (US);
Eric L. Hale, Altadena, CA (US);
Nathan Jon Schara, Pasadena, CA (US);
John C. Tesar, Tucson, AZ (US);
KARL STORZ Imaging, Goleta, CA (US);
Abstract
An illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.