Endoscopic imaging and control system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12527460-B2
Application number	US-202318328565-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 2, 2023
Priority date	Oct 27, 2021
Publication date	Jan 20, 2026
Grant date	Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

Endoscopic viewing systems for use in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. More specifically, an imaging and control system and coupler that allows for control of imaging and fluid management from a hand-held unit coupled to a conventional multiple-use, sterilizable endoscope.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . An endoscope coupling device comprising:
a coupler configured for coupling to an eyepiece of an endoscope, wherein the coupler includes a first housing and a second housing; an image sensor carried in the coupler; and an alignment mechanism in the coupler adapted to adjust alignment of an optical axis of a lens in the eyepiece relative to an optical axis of the image sensor, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a planetary gear assembly, wherein the planetary gear assembly is adapted to move the second housing transversely relative to an optical axis of the image sensor.

2 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 1 wherein the planetary gear assembly includes an outer ring gear that engages a plurality of inwardly positioned planet gears.

3 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 2 wherein the outer ring gear is carried in a first grip housing that is rotatable relative on the coupler.

4 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 3 wherein the planetary gear assembly engages a sun gear that is inwardly positioned.

5 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 4 wherein the sun gear is carried in a fixed relationship to the first housing.

6 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 2 wherein at least one planet gear of the plurality of inwardly positioned planet gears in the planetary gear assembly has a post projecting transversely from the at least one planet gear.

7 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 6 wherein the post of the at least one planet gear of the plurality of inwardly positioned planet gears in the planetary gear assembly is positioned off-center in the at least one planet gear.

8 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 6 wherein the post of the at least one planet gear of the plurality of inwardly positioned planet gears in the planetary gear assembly is positioned concentrically in the at least one planet gear.

9 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 6 wherein the post of the at least one planet gear of the plurality of inwardly positioned planet gears in the planetary gear assembly is received by an elongated slot in an offset ring.

10 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 9 wherein the offset ring is positioned in slidable contact with an annular recess in the second housing.

11 . The endoscope coupling device of claim 1 wherein the alignment mechanism is adapted to move the second housing transversely relative to an optical axis of the image sensor by up to 5 mm.

Assignees

• Meditrina Inc

Inventors

• Landgraf Nicholas
• Fast Kyle

Classifications

• A61B1/0684

  using light emitting diodes [LED] · CPC title

• A61B1/128

  provided with means for regulating temperature · CPC title

• A61B1/045

  Control thereof · CPC title

• A61B1/042

  characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera · CPC title

• A61B1/00126 Primary

  optical, e.g. for light supply cables · CPC title