Lens cover modification
Inventors
Wu, I-Ching • Hsu, Thomas • HSU, Senzen • Stiggelbout, John • Smith, Torrey • WEI, Hungwen • SIE, Mengjhe
Assignees
MEDEON BIOSURGICAL Inc • Medeon International Inc • Shennder Corp • Medeon Biodesign Inc
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Publication Number
US-10307041-B2
Publication Date
2019-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens, and an endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner.
Core Innovation
A device for maintaining a clear optical path includes an elongated hollow body having a lumen adapted to receive a viewing apparatus with a lens. A transparent lens cover film is movably associated with the hollow body to describe a preset travel path passing in front of the lens, and the lens cover film comprises first and second opposing surfaces.
An endcap is configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner, with a distal portion and a proximal portion. Each portion includes an opening that aligns with the lens of the viewing apparatus, and the distal inner surface engages at least a portion of the first surface of the lens cover film while the proximal outer surface engages at least a portion of the second surface.
The lens cover film is positioned between the distal portion and the proximal portion, with the second surface engaged around a perimeter defined by the opening of the proximal portion. The disclosure further relates to maintaining the viewing apparatus optical path without removing or sterilizing the endoscope, and describes optional features associated with film guidance, sealing effectiveness, and fluid management.
Claims Coverage
The document presents two independent claims. Both independent claims center on a sealing endcap that engages opposing edges or surfaces of a transparent or replaceable movable cover member around aligned openings, while one independent claim additionally requires a movably traveling film in front of a lens for maintaining a clear optical path.
Clear optical path device with preset travel lens cover film
A device for maintaining a clear optical path having an elongated hollow body defining a lumen adapted to receive a viewing apparatus having a lens, with a transparent lens cover film movably associated to describe a preset travel path passing in front of the lens, the lens cover film comprising first and second opposing surfaces.
Sealing endcap with distal and proximal openings engaging opposite film surfaces
An endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner, the endcap including a distal portion with an opening aligning with the lens and an inner surface engaging at least a portion of the first surface, and a proximal portion with an opening aligning with the lens and an outer surface engaging at least a portion of the second surface, positioning the lens cover film between the distal portion and proximal portion, with the second surface engaged around a perimeter defined by the opening of the proximal portion.
Replaceable movable member retaining an optical property
An apparatus for maintaining an optical property comprising an optical apparatus and a movable member containing first and second opposing surfaces, where the first portion overlaps at least part of the optical apparatus, and where the first portion is replaceable with the second portion so that an optical property is retained when at least part of the first portion is replaced with at least part of the second portion.
Sealing endcap engaging opposite surfaces of a replaceable movable member
An endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the movable member in a sealing manner, including a distal portion with an opening aligning with the lens of the optical apparatus and an inner surface engaging at least a portion of the first surface, and a proximal portion with an opening aligning with the lens of the viewing apparatus and an outer surface engaging at least a portion of the second surface, positioning the movable member between the distal portion and proximal portion, with the first surface engaged by the distal portion and the second surface engaged by the proximal portion, wherein the second surface is engaged around a perimeter defined by the opening of the proximal portion.
Across both independent claims, the main claimed structure is a sealing endcap with distal and proximal portions whose openings align with a lens and whose inner and outer surfaces engage opposite surfaces of a transparent or replaceable movable cover member around a perimeter. One independent claim further adds a transparent lens cover film movably describing a preset travel path passing in front of the lens to maintain a clear optical path, while the other additionally requires replaceability of overlapping portions to retain an optical property.
Stated Advantages
Maintain a clear optical path.
Retain an optical property when at least part of a replaceable portion is replaced.
Improved sealing effectiveness for engagement of the film or movable member around a perimeter defined by an opening.
Optional fluid management via features defining a fluid travel path, channels, and/or cut-outs associated with the opening region.
Documented Applications
Integrated use in an endoscope context for maintaining a clear optical path in front of an endoscope objective lens.
Use with an optical apparatus to maintain an optical property by replacing overlapping portions of a movable member.
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