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Publication Number
US-9775500-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A medical device comprising an instrument head integral to the medical device having a distal portion, a light source internal to the instrument head coupled to a first channel, a first polarizing filter positioned within the first channel of the instrument head, a second polarizing filter positioned within the second channel for receiving reflected light from the light source, the reflected light received through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel is disclosed herein. The second channel may comprise a distal opening. The second channel may be configured to restrict light from entering the second channel other than by the distal opening. The first polarizing filter may be configured to polarize light from the light source.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes a medical device with separate first and second channels. A light source and first polarizing filter are associated with the first channel, while an optical system comprising a plurality of otoscopy lenses and a rotatably adjustable second polarizing filter is arranged in the second channel. The second filter receives reflected light through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel and is adjustable relative to the first filter.
The corresponding method produces light within a first channel, polarizes it with a first polarizing filter, transmits it to a target, and receives reflected light into a second channel at a first radial plane. A rotatably adjustable second polarizing filter polarizes the reflected light before a lens receives it. The background section is not included in the provided partial content, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include three independent claims: claims 1 and 17 cover medical devices, and claim 23 covers a method of polarizing light for medical examination.
Medical device with separate channels and adjustable polarizing filters
Independent claim 1 covers an instrument head having a distal insertion portion and first and second channels. The first channel contains a light source and a first polarizing filter; the second contains an optical system comprising a plurality of otoscopy lenses and a second polarizing filter that receives reflected light through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel. The second polarizing filter is rotatably adjustable relative to the first.
Medical device with channel ends in a common radial plane
Independent claim 17 covers a housing with first and second channels, a light source and first polarizing filter positioned in the first channel, and an optical system comprising a plurality of otoscopy lenses and a second polarizing filter in the second channel. The second filter receives reflected light through an axially aligned sensor, the distal ends of the channels comprise a common radial plane, and the second filter is rotatably adjustable relative to the first.
Method of polarizing light for medical examination
Independent claim 23 covers producing light within a first channel, polarizing it with a first polarizing filter, transmitting it to a first radial plane, and reflecting it off a target. Reflected light enters a second channel at that plane, is polarized by a rotatably adjustable second polarizing filter, and is received by a lens.
The independent claims cover two medical-device arrangements that use separate channels and relatively adjustable polarizing filters, including one arrangement with channel ends in a common radial plane, and a method for polarizing light for medical examination.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Medical examination using polarized light, with reflected light received through a second channel and a lens.
The disclosed device embodiments include an otoscope and a dermascope; the partial content also identifies a dermatology apparatus.
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