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:
Aug. 29, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 03, 1999
William E Durell, North Barrington, IL (US);
Durell & Gitelis, Inc., North Barrington, IL (US);
Abstract
A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens; the input lens preferably is a diverging lens. In the form shown FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surfaces. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube; the illumination may be projected outwardly through the input lens. A movable mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a fixed mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope. A control member, shown as a control rod extending longitudinally within the housing tube, varies the position of the movable mirror between first and second limits, adding about 30.degree. or more to the image available to a user of the instrument.