US4901144A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Video endoscope aperture wheel drive system
Assignee: Welch Allyn Inc
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Filing: 1988-07-20
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Granted: 1990-02-13
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Expires: 2008-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A video endoscope aperture wheel drive system effective to position a predetermined aperture formed in an aperture wheel in an optical path of an image generated by an imaging device viewing an object, while eliminating oscillation of the aperture wheel caused by the rotational stepping of the aperture wheel in either direction in response to movement of a video probe in which an imaging device is positioned. The aperture wheel motor is rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise in response to the proximity of the imaging device relative to the object being viewed.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley R. English
- 👤 David R. McKenzie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/04; A61B1/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In a video endoscope wherein a source of light is projected onto an object to be viewed and the light reflected from the object being viewed is received by an imaging device carried at the distal end of a viewing probe and the intensity of the light projected onto the object is varied by passing through an aperture wheel positioned in the optical path of the video endoscope, said aperture wheel being rotatable by a stepping motor to maintain a predetermined light intensity through the selective interposing of apertures formed in the aperture wheel into the optical path, the improvement comprising inertia force isolating drive means coupled between said stepping motor and said aperture wheel for effecting rotation of said aperture wheel in response to rotation of said stepping motor and isolating said aperture wheel from inertia forces generated by the rotation of said stepping motor when said stepping motor is rotated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a video endoscope wherein a source of light is projected onto an object to be viewed and the light reflected from the object being viewed is received by an imaging device carried at the distal end of a viewing probe and the intensity of the light projected onto the object is varied by passing through an aperture wheel positioned in the optical path of the video endoscope, said aperture wheel being rotatable by a stepping motor to maintain a predetermined light intensity through the selective interposing of apertures formed in the aperture wheel into the optical path, the improvement comprising inertia force isolating drive means coupled between said stepping motor and said aperture wheel for effecting rotation of said aperture wheel in response to rotation of said stepping motor and isolating said aperture wheel from inertia forces generated by the rotation of said stepping motor when said stepping motor is rotated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said inertia force isolating drive means includes a timing belt coupled to a drive gear mounted on a drive shaft of said stepping motor and to a driven gear mounted to a shaft upon which said aperture wheel is supported.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus defined by claim 2 wherein said timing belt controls the selecting interposing of said apertures formed in said aperture wheel into the optical path of the video endoscope in response to the rotation of said stepping motor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said stepping motor is rotated in response to the intensity of light reflected by the object being viewed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said stepping motor is rotated in response to the proximity of said viewing probe to the object being viewed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US4546379A
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US4653478A
Cited
US4532918A
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Cited
US4539586B1
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-02-12 | 1993-08-14 | 1994-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-02-12 | 1997-08-14 | 1998-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-02-12 | 2001-08-14 | 2002-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |