Patent ID: 7160247
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An endoscope comprising: an intermediate portion having a distal end; one or more optical elements forming an objective lens assembly having a first diameter, the objective lens assembly disposed at or within the distal end; and one or more optical elements forming an image relay assembly having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the image relay assembly disposed at or within the intermediate portion and situated along an optical path extending from the objective lens assembly, wherein the distal end at least partially houses the objective lens assembly, and the intermediate portion at least partially houses the image relay assembly, wherein the distal end is a tube or tube segment, and the intermediate portion is a tube or tube segment, wherein the distal end tube or tube segment has an inner diameter defining the first diameter of the objective lens assembly, and the intermediate portion tube or tube segment has an inner diameter defining the second diameter of the image relay assembly, and wherein the intermediate portion tube or tube segment has an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the distal end tube or tube segment, and the distal tube or tube segment closely receives in axial alignment an interface portion of the intermediate tube or tube segment.