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Publication Number
US-12239286-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cordless endoscope assembly includes a housing, an endoscope tube and an eyepiece. Electronics are housed in the housing and operable to operate one or more light sources in the endoscope, the electronics including one or more batteries and a printed circuit board. The housing includes a connector configured to removably couple with a cannula connector of a cannula when the endoscope tube is inserted through the cannula. The cordless endoscope is a disposable single use endoscope that can optionally be sterilized with an ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization process.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a cordless endoscope having an ergonomic handpiece sized to be held between a palm and one or more fingers, where the cordless housing is formed by a first housing portion removably coupling to a second housing portion. An endoscope tube extends distally of the cordless housing, linearly extending to a distal end about an axis transverse to the ergonomic handpiece. Electronics are housed in a compartment of the cordless housing and are configured to operate one or more light sources disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube, including one or more batteries and a printed circuit board extending within the first part of the compartment and the second part of the compartment.
The cordless housing defines a connector at a distal end, configured to removably couple with a cannula connector of a cannula when the endoscope tube is inserted through the cannula. The housing is rotatable about the axis of the endoscope tube, while the connector is formed at the distal end of the cordless housing. The first housing portion is removably coupled to the second housing portion along respective edges or along their lengths.
The invention also describes an interchangeable-kit approach in which the connector is integral with an interchangeable first housing portion. Different shaped connectors are provided on different first housing portions, with correspondingly shaped connectors configured to couple with different cannulas. In additional configurations, the endoscope tube includes a plurality of lenses disposed within the endoscope tube, and the cordless housing can be configured for camera coupling and for inclusion of an image sensor.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provided contains three independent claims. Across the independent claims, the core inventive coverage is centered on a cordless ergonomic handpiece with a removably coupled two-part housing, electronics including batteries and a printed circuit board operating distal light sources, a distal connector that removably couples to a cannula connector, and rotation of the housing about the endoscope-tube axis, with optional refinements including interchangeable connector geometries, camera coupling, an image sensor, and a connector locking groove or recess.
Cordless ergonomic handpiece with removably coupled housing portions
A cordless housing that defines an ergonomic handpiece sized to be held between a palm and one or more fingers, the cordless housing having a first housing portion removably coupling to a second housing portion along respective edges or along their lengths to define the cordless housing.
Distal endoscope tube extending about an axis transverse to the handpiece
An endoscope tube that extends distally of the cordless housing, linearly extending to a distal end about an axis transverse to the ergonomic handpiece.
Electronics with batteries and a printed circuit board operating distal light sources
Electronics housed in a compartment of the cordless housing, with a first part of the compartment defined within the first housing portion and a second part defined within the second housing portion, the electronics configured to operate one or more light sources disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube, the electronics comprising one or more batteries and a printed circuit board.
Distal connector removably coupling with a cannula connector
The cordless housing defines a connector at a distal end, configured to removably couple with a cannula connector of a cannula when the endoscope tube is inserted through the cannula.
Housing rotatable about the axis of the endoscope tube
The cordless housing is rotatable about the axis of the endoscope tube.
Interchangeable first housing portion with different shaped connectors for different cannulas
A connector integral with an interchangeable first housing portion, where different shaped connectors on different first housing portions mate with correspondingly shaped connectors on different cannulas.
Connector locking groove or recess
A connector that includes a locking groove or recess.
Cordless endoscope configured to couple with a camera
The cordless housing is configured to be coupled to a camera.
Image sensor
The cordless endoscope further includes an image sensor.
Plurality of lenses disposed within the endoscope tube
A plurality of lenses disposed within the endoscope tube.
In combination, the independent claims define a cordless endoscope with an ergonomic, two-part removable housing, electronics including one or more batteries and a printed circuit board to operate distal light sources, and a distal connector that removably couples to a cannula connector while the housing is rotatable about the axis of the endoscope tube. Dependent claim features further emphasize interchangeable connector geometries for different cannulas, optional camera coupling, an image sensor, a connector locking groove or recess, and inclusion of a plurality of lenses.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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