Capsule endoscope

Patent 7022066 Issued on April 4, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 28, 2023. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Olympus Corporation

Application

No. 10352110 filed on 01/28/2003

US Classes:

600/109, With camera or solid state imager600/167, Focusing600/160, Having imaging and illumination means348/65, With endoscope348/76, Physical structure of circuit element348/340, With optics peculiar to solid-state sensor600/130, With particular arrangement of internal elements (e.g., shaft reducing)600/134, Having means to protect user, patient, or endoscope from electrical discharge250/239, Housings (in addition to cell casing)600/133, Sterilizable348/294, Solid-state image sensor348/374, For internal camera components607/62, Output controlled by sensor responsive to body or interface condition600/312Using a fluorescent material

Examiners

Primary: Leubecker, John P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

2001-91860 JP 04/01/2001
WO 00/76391 WO 12/01/2000

International Class

A61B 1/05

Abstract

A capsule endoscope includes an image sensor that is fixed to a substrate and is covered by a transparent cover member such that a sealed air space is provided between the objective optical system and the image sensor. Also, a capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a transparent cover member, an image sensor having an imaging area that is covered by the transparent cover member; and an objective optical system which includes at least two lenses. The lens of the objective optical system that is nearest the image side is either integral with, or is adhered to, the transparent cover member. The transparent cover member seals an air space above the imaging area of the image sensor from dust which may be generated during a focusing adjustment of the two lenses. A focusing method adjusts the position of a first lens, in order from the object side, relative to that of a second lens which is nearest the image side.