Patent ID: 7699773
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A rigid endoscope having distal and proximal ends and being subject to a variety of forces in normal use comprising: A) a sealed rigid optics subassembly including an external sheath containing a distal window, an optical objective proximate said distal window, an eyepiece at a proximal end and relay lens system means for transferring an image from the optical objective to said eyepiece, B) a rigid outer housing subassembly including a passage with two open ends extending between the distal and proximal ends of said rigid endoscope whereby an annular gap exists between said optics subassembly and said outer housing subassembly, and C) adhesive material filling the gap for a distance from the distal end and adhering to the circumference of portions of said subassemblies thereby to position the distal ends to prevent displacement therebetween during normal use, said adhesive material having a tear strength that is greater than that required to withstand the forces encountered in normal use and that is less than any yield stress for said optics and outer housing subassemblies thereby to permit the separation of said subassemblies for repair without damage to said assemblies by the application of sufficient axially directed external forces to said subassemblies to exceed the tear strength whereby said subassemblies separate axially.