Optical snake
First Claim
1. An optical device for observing a remote situs which comprises a length of flexible cable having a distal end and a proximal end;
- an imager coupled to the distal end of the flexible cable for obtaining an image beyond the distal end of the flexible cable and converting the image into an electrical video signal;
a handheld image viewer coupled to the proximal end of the flexible cable for receiving the electrical video signal and converting the electrical video signal into a viewable image; and
electrical leads that extend between the distal and proximal ends of the flexible cable to transfer the electrical video signal from the imager to the image viewer.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated solid state device for viewing and manipulating objects located in remote sites and locations which includes a flexible cable having a camera on one end and a viewer on an opposite end. The camera captures images near the end of the flexible cable and converts the images into a video signal that is transferred through wires that extend through the length of the flexible cable. The video signals are received by the viewer and converted into a displayed image. Objects are manipulated by a gripper that is provided at the end of the flexible cable that includes the camera. Operation of the gripper is controlled at the opposite end of the flexible cable
70 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An optical device for observing a remote situs which comprises
a length of flexible cable having a distal end and a proximal end; -
an imager coupled to the distal end of the flexible cable for obtaining an image beyond the distal end of the flexible cable and converting the image into an electrical video signal;
a handheld image viewer coupled to the proximal end of the flexible cable for receiving the electrical video signal and converting the electrical video signal into a viewable image; and
electrical leads that extend between the distal and proximal ends of the flexible cable to transfer the electrical video signal from the imager to the image viewer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An optical device for observing and manipulating objects at a remote situs that comprises:
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a length of flexible cable having a distal end and a proximal end;
an imager coupled to the distal end of the flexible cable for obtaining an image beyond the distal end of the flexible cable and converting the image into an electrical video signal;
a device for manipulating objects located near the distal end of the flexible cable;
a handheld image viewer coupled to the proximal end of the flexible cable for receiving the electrical video signal and converting the electrical video signal into a viewable image, the handheld image viewer including a housing that houses a mechanism for activating the device that manipulates objects; and
electrical leads that extend between the distal and proximal ends of the flexible cable to transfer the electrical video signal from the imager to the image viewer. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification