Patent ID: 6814699
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: A61B,G02B,H01L

Abstract:
Apparatus for use as a borescope or endoscope for viewing an object at a remote or inaccessible location, comprising a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, means in the tube for obtaining an image of an object and transmitting it to a viewing device, and illumination means comprising an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a substrate and encased in a common protective shield of optically clear material,wherein the illumination means further comprises a plurality of optical fibres for transmitting light through the tube from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the fibres are arranged in annular form and present an annular end face at the proximal end of the tube, and wherein the array of light emitting diodes is annular and is positioned at the proximal end of the tube facing the annular end face of the fibres, and wherein an annular light pipe is positioned between the annular array and the annular end face for transmitting light from the array to the optical fibres.