Patent ID: 6113533
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A device for coupling a video camera to an endoscope or borescope for recording and displaying images, the device comprising:a clamp adapted to attach the device to the endoscope or borescope;a plurality of separate mounts adapted releasably to attach the device to different video cameras so that a suitable mount can be selected from the plurality of mounts to couple a mount receiver of the camera to the device;a lens system disposed in an optical path between the clamp and the mount, the lens system comprising first and second positive lens groups which are movable along the optical path;a zoom actuation handle;a zoom mechanism coupling the zoom actuation handle to the first and second lens groups, the zoom mechanism adapted to move the first and second lens groups simultaneously and in the same direction along the optical path in particular relationship relative to each other when the zoom actuation handle moves throughout a handle movement range so that the images transmitted along the optical path vary in magnification within a zoom range, and so that an image position remains substantially constant when the zoom mechanism varies magnification throughout the zoom range; andwherein the lens system further comprises a focusing lens group, comprising a movable and a fixed lens, and further comprising a focus mechanism which moves the movable lens along the optical path to vary the object distance, the focus mechanism being movable independently of the magnification of the images.