Patent ID: 6692431
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object comprising:an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end; an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope, the illumination assembly including a solid-state light source, the solid-state light source includes a plurality of semiconductor light sources; and an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source, the optical system receiving and conveying light to the distal end, the optical system includes a set of fiber optic elements, each semiconductor light source is configured to emit light to one corresponding fiber optic element; wherein the solid-state light source includes a hollow shaft having a longitudinal axis and a set of ribs positioned along a periphery of the shaft, each rib having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of each rib has at least one LED.