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:
Apr. 10, 1979
Filed:
May. 09, 1977
Richard B MacAnally, Altadena, CA (US);
American Hospital Supply Corporation, Evanston, IL (US);
Abstract
A rod lens assembly for endoscopes and the like which includes an inner tube or barrel disposed in spaced or floating relation within a protective outer tube, the outer tube preferably including an inner layer of light-transmitting fibers and the inner tube containing a plurality of axially-spaced image-transmitting rod lenses. The wall portions of the barrel extending between the ends of adjacent lenses are provided with openings to allow precise positioning of the lenses during assembly and to provide zones of preferential flexure of the barrel when the entire assembly is flexed in normal use. In one embodiment, the cylindrical lenses are fixed in place by clamping forces exerted by the normally non-cylindrical walls of the barrel. The method for making such an assembly, including the steps of inserting, adjusting, securing, and cleaning the lenses, is also disclosed.