Abstract:
A wireless endoscopic surgical device used for minimally invasive procedures comprises a handheld component and a separate power module. The handheld component consisting of a handle and a conduit houses a wireless imaging system and a single LED light source. The imaging system comprises a wireless camera coupled to an optical assembly. Both the intensity of the LED and the camera action can be controlled by a battery-operated power module. The handle and conduit are designed to accommodate surgical tools.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Endoscopes are used to view the inside of the body through a small incision during minimally invasive surgery. For this section, the rigid type used in endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) will be discussed, but similar features and therefore issues could exist in other surgeries using endoscopes as part of a system. 
         [0002]    A rigid endoscope system comprises the following: the endoscope itself, that is, a long tubular metallic conduit which would contain optical fiber bundles that extend from the proximal end in a handle to the distal viewing tip. A light source cable connects to the proximal end to provide light for viewing, and the resultant image is carried through a separate optical system (lenses), back to an external camera at the proximal end. Images may be processed and stored in the camera or sent to a monitor for viewing, after being processed in an external video processing box. 
         [0003]    For EVH, a single cannula is inserted into the leg opening (above the knee), through which both the endoscope as well as surgical tools are introduced. The procedure is used to harvest vessels (for bypass graft material) for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries. Compared with open surgery, which can result in long, painful recovery and a foot-long scar, an endoscopic procedure is definitely preferred for patient comfort. 
       Problem Statement 
       [0004]    However, these systems can have issues. First is failure of a component of a system, especially if it is a re-processable item and the other is the bulk or unwieldy nature of a system. 
         [0005]    When a component fails and it is a fairly expensive piece of capital equipment, the result can be problematic. 
         [0006]    Endoscopes are delicate instruments, and can become damaged through handling associated with repeated use, cleaning, and re-sterilization. Owing to the cost, most cardiac Operating Rooms (OR)s would not have many back-up scopes. 
         [0007]    Damage or failure in a scope discovered during system set up could trigger not only repair work but if no back-up scopes are immediately available, this could also result in conversion to an open procedure. In EVH, this becomes an FDA-reportable incident requiring a report that needs to be filed and followed up. The procedure now becomes a regular surgical procedure with associated patient discomfort and increase in cost of care. 
         [0008]    To avoid such possible scenarios, endoscopes are cleaned, re-sterilized, and stored with great care. Scope use is tracked, and they are maintained and upgraded as necessary. Education and training in scope care as well as the actual cleaning processes take staff time. 
         [0009]    Light source boxes for the scopes, although not as delicate, also need to be maintained as capital equipment. All these processes take additional time and resources adding to the cost of the procedure or as overhead to the hospital. 
         [0010]    The set up may also have some inherent safety issues. The external light source box can attain high temperatures and cause burns if mishandled. In some surgery cases, the fiber optic light cable and camera power cord stretching from the equipment-laden tower to the patient table can cause clutter and become a potential safety hazard with many operators and technicians working in a small OR. This issue of having cables and cords between the patient table and the side of the room has been one of the reasons mentioned in literature promoting wireless connectivity within the OR. 
         [0011]    Even if all the components are functional, assembling them takes time, and the result might not always be an optimal surgical system. An assembled endoscope system for EVH, for example, can be rather bulky. 
         [0012]    If some or all of the functions of an endoscope system could be integrated and be available to the operator as one device, it could alleviate some of these issues. Similar situations probably exist for other endoscopic procedures as well. 
         [0013]    Possible Solution 
         [0014]    There have been designs that have resolved some of the issues of the endoscope systems mentioned above. 
         [0015]    For example, in one version of an endoscope system, captured images are sent wirelessly from the video processor to the monitor (manufacturer&#39;s web-site). The camera and endoscope, however, appear to be still tethered to the video processor box on the tower (collection of power control, light source box on a cart in the OR). The fiber optic cable would also still be there. Therefore, although the image is no longer transmitted over a wire to the monitor, the overall bulkiness of the system is not resolved. 
         [0016]    The use of wireless image transmittance has been increasingly common in the medical industry. A sample of patents that utilize wireless technology in endoscope systems can be seen as follows. Objectives of using wireless may be two-fold: to enhance remote access and to reduce bulk of system. 
         [0017]    Wireless connections are indicated for endoscope use in remote locations (U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,686 B2) or for connecting several endoscopes to a central control unit (U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,529 B2). 
         [0018]    One patent in particular mentions how a wireless endoscope might be useful in dental procedures for providing images of areas that are hard to access. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,904 B2). An area that has seen an effective mix of wireless technology and light source size reduction would be the in-vivo imaging or pill camera industry. Several companies describe how these work: (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,996,067 B2; 7,998,059 B2; 8,165,374 B1). These miniaturized cameras with internal light sources are developed with similar goals (decrease in bulk of a system), but are made specifically for observation of the gastro-intestinal tract. 
         [0019]    Internalizing a light source has been achieved by the use of light emitting diodes (LED)s. Often multiple LEDs are used to achieve the high intensity needed for endoscopes (U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,994 B1), but some utilize a single LED (U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,459 B2), and concern for efficient coupling of the light guide bundle to the LED has led one group to direct contact of the LED to the light guide without lenses or mirrors (U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,397 B2). 
         [0020]    Batteries are used to drive LEDs in some endoscope systems (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,260,994 B1; 8,152,715 B2); however, many LEDs seem to be connected to external power sources. Therefore, although both wireless and LED technologies can offer size reduction in devices, there does not seem to have been a combination of the two that has led to smaller endoscopes for general use. 
         [0021]    Optics is the most critical part in an endoscope. However, aside from improving optical image quality, the essential elements of what is used for transferring light from the source to the target and the resultant image back to the camera have not changed much. Light and images are transferred by combinations of fiber optic bundles, lenses and mirrors. 
         [0022]    Fiber optic bundles that are most commonly used can be cost effective, however, can display optical artifact issues derived from packing density that can worsen with length. It is likely for this reason that in many rigid endoscopes, gradient-index (GRIN) lenses have been used. However, GRIN lenses are long, rigid lenses, limited in the length they can be made, and can be costly. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that the current endoscopes for EVH (rigid) are made to be re-usable. If a more economic way to transfer images can be found, the scope could be made disposable, leading to lower costs. 
         [0023]    The brief review of some of the technologies in an endoscope system reveals that there are many ways in which the system can be improved to offer smaller, lighter devices. However, to date, there has been no major change in rigid endoscope systems. 
         [0024]    In addition to integrating the components of the endoscope system, for EVH, a surgical tool needs to be accommodated. Therefore, this would call for not only a smaller endoscope, but also a conduit portion that allows existent surgical tools to be introduced. To this end, the disclosed device has been conceived as a stand-alone device for the EVH procedure around which the optics and electronics have been designed. 
         [0025]    It is expected that the disclosed system can make the EVH procedure simpler for the operator and by extension make the patient more comfortable. It is also expected that there would be sizable cost savings for the hospital as costly capital equipment (scope and light source) need not be maintained, and associated costs tied to reprocessing the scope (staff time, cleaning and sterilization costs) are eliminated. 
         [0026]    In the current invention, a system is described that integrates the illuminating system and imaging system (camera) into a single conduit-handle part with a separate power and control part that drives the system. 
         [0027]    The system would come in one disposable package, ready for use. 
         [0028]    There would be no need to assemble components or attach to outside equipment. ORs could keep an inventory of these systems for procedures. Should any damage be discovered, another package could be opened without delay in procedure or conversion to open surgery. 
         [0029]    As these systems are disposable, there would be no need to educate staff members in special cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance procedures, which saves time and resources for a hospital. Single use devices such as this also makes for simpler inventory control as there would be no need to coordinate capital equipment service agreements with vendors. 
         [0030]    In this device/system, the illuminating system comprises a single High Brightness Light Emitting Diode (HB LED) contained inside a handle. Light transfers down the conduit through a light pipe to the target in the body. The formed image is transferred through fiber optic bundles in an in-line or folded optical cavity configuration in the conduit back to a camera that resides inside the handle. The image is then transmitted wirelessly to an outside monitor. There are thus, no fiber optic cables needed for a light source and no camera cords needed to send the image back to an image/video processor box. 
         [0031]    The power and control part of the system (Power Control Module=PCM) is connected to the proximal end of the handle by a single cord. The PCM circuitry controls the power to the camera, and controls the power and intensity of the LED. The PCM box could be placed on the operating table, keeping the only cord close to the operator and not across the OR table or across the room. 
         [0032]    The internalized camera, wireless transmission of the image, and optics designed around a device configuration enabled the overall size of the device to be small. Compared with an assemblage of cannula, camera, and associated cables and cords of a conventional system, a conduit with a handle is much more compact and therefore expected to be easier for the operator to manipulate during the procedure. 
         [0033]    As minimally invasive procedures differ depending on the location of the anatomy where it is used, not all parts of the invention may be applicable to all endoscopic procedures. However, it is estimated that many parts of the invention disclosed here might be useful in other procedures as well. 
         [0034]    Finally, as wireless connectivity becomes more prevalent in hospital environments both internally and externally, the use of wireless transmission of data is expected to become the norm. The invention disclosed describes an embodiment in which the data is an optical image. Other data (temperature, gas levels, fluorescence signals etc.) are expected to be also transmittable with the appropriate sensors in modified configurations. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0035]    A disposable, integrated wireless endoscope system is disclosed that contains the following components in an integrated design: 
         [0036]    A single High Brightness LED (HB LED) light source and light pipe are housed in the handle and the metal conduit that comes out of the handle. Light is transferred to the target tissue structure in the body at the distal end to illuminate a target and form an image. The image is transferred back through an imaging system that resides in the metal conduit and handle back to the proximal portion of the system, into a wireless camera. 
         [0037]    The image is then transmitted wirelessly from the camera to a monitor or computer in the room. A power cord attaches the handle and conduit portion of the system to a power control box that is run on three C-cell batteries. 
         [0038]    Another aspect of the endoscope system is the use of segmented coherent fibers (CF) in the imaging system. By designing an optical system to fit an integrated design, a relatively low cost, disposable endoscope system can be made. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1   a  is an overall system layout of a first embodiment  1  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0040]      FIG. 1   b  is an overall system layout of a second embodiment  81  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0041]      FIG. 1   c  is an overall system layout of a third embodiment  101  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0042]      FIG. 1   d  is an overall system layout of a fourth embodiment  181  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0043]      FIG. 1   e  is an overall system layout of a fifth embodiment  401  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0044]      FIG. 1   f  is an overall system layout of a sixth embodiment  411  of the invention, showing the major components and their interconnections. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  details a first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2  (see  FIG. 1   a ). 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  details a second embodiment of the endoscopic device  82  (see  FIG. 1   b ). 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  details a third embodiment of the endoscopic device  102  (see  FIG. 1   c ). 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  details a fourth embodiment of the endoscopic device  182  (see  FIG. 1   d ). 
           [0049]      FIG. 6  details a first embodiment of the imaging assembly  260 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 7  details a second embodiment of the imaging assembly  250 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 7   a  details a partial assembly of the first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2  (see  2  in  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 2 ). 
           [0052]      FIG. 7   b  details a partial assembly of the second embodiment of the endoscopic device  82  (see  82  in  FIG. 1   b  and  FIG. 3 ). 
           [0053]      FIG. 7   c  details a partial assembly of the third embodiment of the endoscopic device  102  (see  102  in  FIG. 1   c  and  FIG. 4 ). 
           [0054]      FIG. 7   d  details a partial assembly of the fourth embodiment of the endoscopic device  182  (see  182  in  FIG. 1   d  and  FIG. 5 ). 
           [0055]      FIG. 7   e  details a partial assembly of the fifth embodiment of the endoscopic device  402  (see  402  in  FIG. 1   e ). 
           [0056]      FIG. 7   f  details a partial assembly of the sixth embodiment of the endoscopic device  412  (see  412  in  FIG. 1   f ). 
           [0057]      FIG. 7   g  provides two views of a distal lumen baffle  150  and an optically transparent shield  151   
           [0058]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the power and control systems (PCS) ( 315  and  316 , respectively in  FIG. 8 ) for the six embodiments of the invention (see  3  in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). 
           [0059]      FIG. 9  is a sample of possible pulse-width modulated waveforms (A through E) that would represent the power applied to a high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED) in order to control the intensity of said HB LED. 
           [0060]      FIG. 10  is a drawing of the inside of the enclosure  350  for the power and control module (PCM)  3  (in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ) in the drawings of the six embodiments of the invention (in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). 
           [0061]      FIG. 11  is a drawing of what the outside of the enclosure  350  would look like for the power and control module (PCM)  3  (in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ) in the six embodiments of the invention (in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0062]    The following description of several embodiments describes non-limiting examples that further illustrate the invention. No titles of sections contained herein, including those appearing above, are limitations on the invention, but rather they are provided to structure the illustrative description of the invention that is provided by the specification. 
         [0063]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meanings that one skilled in the art to which the disclosed invention pertains would ascribe to them. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “fluid” refers to one or more fluids, such as two or more fluids, three or more fluids, etc. Any mention of an element includes that element&#39;s equivalents as known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0064]    Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described in this document can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. This disclosure incorporates by reference all publications mentioned in this disclosure all of the information disclosed in the publications. 
         [0065]    This disclosure discusses publications only to facilitate describing the current invention. Their inclusion in this document is not an admission that they are effective prior art to this invention, nor does it indicate that their dates of publication or effectiveness are as printed on the document. 
         [0066]    The features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
         [0067]      FIG. 1   a  shows an overall setup for a first embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  1 . The wireless endoscope system  1  comprises an endoscopic device  2 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . The endoscopic device  2  comprises an ergonomic handle  5  and a conduit  4 . The conduit  4  contains an imaging system ( 90  in  FIG. 2 ) that transfers an image of a target at the distal end  10  of the conduit  4  to a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera in the handle  5  of the endoscopic device  2 . The wireless CCD or CMOS color camera transmits the image to the receiver  6  where the image is output  9  to a monitor  7  for display. The endoscopic device  2  also contains an illumination system ( 27  in  FIG. 2 ) that provides light for the target at the distal end  10  of the conduit  4 . The illumination system ( 27  in  FIG. 2 ) comprises a high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED) in the handle  5  and a glass light pipe in the conduit  4  that transfers the light from the HB LED to the target. A detachable power and control module (PCM)  3  is provided to power the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera and the HB LED as well as control the light intensity of the HB LED. The electrical power for this first embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   a ) is supplied by three C-cell batteries that are contained within the PCM  3 . Power and control signals from the PCM  3  are connected to the endoscopic device  2  by means of cable  50 . The imaging system ( 90  in  FIG. 2 ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 27  in  FIG. 2 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0068]      FIG. 1   b  shows an overall setup for a second embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  81 . The wireless endoscope system  81  comprises an endoscopic device  82 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . This second embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   b ) has a handle  85 , a conduit  84 , an imaging system  90  of  FIG. 3 , and an illumination system  77  of  FIG. 3 . The conduit  84  has a distal end  83 . All other aspects of this second embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   b ) are similar to the first embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   a ). The imaging system ( 90  in  FIG. 3 ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 77  in  FIG. 3 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0069]      FIG. 1   c  shows an overall setup for a third embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  101 . The wireless endoscope system  101  comprises an endoscopic device  102 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . This third embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   c ) has a handle  105 , a conduit  104 , an imaging system  26  of  FIG. 4 , and an illumination system  27  of  FIG. 4 . The conduit  104  has a distal end  103 . All other aspects of this third embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   c ) are similar to the first embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   a ). The imaging system ( 26  in  FIG. 4 ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 27  in  FIG. 4 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0070]      FIG. 1   d  shows an overall setup for a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  181 . The wireless endoscope system  181  comprises an endoscopic device  182 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . This fourth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   d ) has a handle  185 , a conduit  184 , an imaging system  26  of  FIG. 5 , and an illumination system  77  of  FIG. 5 . The conduit  184  has a distal end  183 . All other aspects of this fourth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   d ) are similar to the first embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   a ). The imaging system ( 26  in  FIG. 5 ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 77  in  FIG. 5 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0071]      FIG. 1   e  shows an overall setup for the fifth embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  401 . The wireless endoscope system  401  comprises an endoscopic device  402 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . This fifth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   e ) has a handle  403 , a conduit  404 , an imaging system  406  of  FIG. 7   e  and an illumination system  27  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 . The conduit  404  has a distal end  405 . All other aspects of this fifth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   e ) are similar to the first embodiment of the invention detailed in  FIG. 1   a.  The imaging system ( 406  of  FIG. 7   e ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 27  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0072]      FIG. 1   f  shows an overall setup for the sixth embodiment of the invention, which is a wireless endoscope system  411 . The wireless endoscope system  411  comprises an endoscopic device  412 , a power and control module (PCM)  3  and a receiver  6 . This sixth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   f ) has a handle  413 , a conduit  414 , an imaging system  406  of  FIG. 7   f  and an illumination system  77  of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 . The conduit  414  has a distal end  415 . All other aspects of this sixth embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 1   f ) are similar to the first embodiment of the invention detailed in  FIG. 1   a.  The imaging system ( 406  of  FIG. 7   f ), wireless CCD or CMOS color camera, and illumination system ( 77  of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 ) are detailed in subsequent paragraphs. 
       Description of the Wireless CCD or CMOS Color Camera: 
       [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 2 ; in this first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2 , the camera  28  is a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera whose output images are transmitted by a high-frequency transmitter circuit operating in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band. In the first embodiment ( FIG. 2 ) of the endoscopic device  2 , the ISM frequency chosen is in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Other possible frequencies that can be used in other embodiments are in the 5.8 GHz frequency band, or in the 900 MHz frequency band, or in the 2.36 GHz to 2.39 GHz band known as the Wireless Body Area Network, or WBAN. In some embodiments, wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  is housed inside the handle  5  of the endoscopic device  2  and is powered from the power and control module  3  of  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f.  The above details regarding the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , also apply to the other five embodiments of the endoscopic devices: see  28  in  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 5  as well as  28  in  FIG. 7   e  and  FIG. 7   f . While this disclosure refers to CCD or CMOS cameras, any type of camera detector can be useful in cameras used in this invention. 
       Descriptions of Wireless Endoscope System Embodiments: 
       [0074]      FIG. 2  details the first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2  (see also  2  in  FIG. 1   a ) which comprises a handle  5 , a conduit  4 , a first embodiment of the imaging system  90  and a first embodiment of the illumination system  27 . The imaging system  90  further comprises the imaging assembly  260 , a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , and a coupler component  29  that interfaces the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  to the image focusing mechanism. As seen in  FIG. 2 , one of the components of the imaging assembly  260  has an s-bend in it (see  FIG. 6  description for further details). The image focusing mechanism comprises components  30  through  34  and has the function of focusing an image of the target  38  as it appears at the proximal end ( 213  of  FIG. 6 ) of the imaging assembly  260  onto the CCD or CMOS element of the wireless color camera  28 . The focusing mechanism ( 30  through  34 ), the coupler component  29 , and the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  are contained within the handle  5 . The main components of the handle  5  are the handle body  44 , the handle end cap  47 , and a cutout  45  in the distal end  55  of the handle  5  for the focusing thumb wheel  33  and a T-slot cutout  46  for a manipulation tool (not shown). The transmitting antenna  35  of the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  is also contained within the handle  5 . Power for the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  is provided by the power and control module (PCM)  3  (of  FIG. 1   a  through  1   f ) and is applied by means of the wiring  42  and cable  50 . In some embodiments, the light source required to illuminate the target  38  at the distal end of the imaging assembly  260  is provided by a single high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED)  37  that is housed in the handle  5 . The light from the HB LED  37  is transmitted to the target  38  through a glass light pipe  36 . In this first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2 , the distal end  48  of the light pipe  36  has been cut and polished to a 30 degree angle (+/−5 degrees) to form a Non-Imaging Optic Tip  48 . (For purposes of this disclosure, the angle is measured relative to the axis that runs parallel to the long axis of light pipe  36 . An angle of 90 degrees indicates an angle perpendicular to the long axis; an angle of 30 degrees indicates an angle 30 degrees counterclockwise from the axis, in the quadrant between zero degrees from the axis and perpendicular to the axis.). A purpose of the Non-Imaging Optic Tip  48  is to produce light for the target  38  from both the outside as well as the inside  49  (side-firing) of the tip  48  producing a wide light pattern  52  on the target  38 . Power and an intensity control signal for the HB LED  37  are provided by the PCM  3  (in  FIG. 1   a  through  1   f ), are applied through the wiring  43 , and cable  50 . A strain relief  41  provides a flexible anchor for the cable  50  as it enters the handle  5 . The imaging assembly  260  and the light pipe  36  are contained within separate lumens (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) that are contained within the conduit  4 . Another lumen in the conduit  4  provides a path to the distal end of the conduit for a surgical tool entered at the surgical tool port  40  on the handle  5 . But there are other embodiments in which the imaging assembly  260  and the light pipe  36  are contained within the same conduit  4 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 3  details a second embodiment of the endoscopic device  82 , and one difference is that the endoscopic device  82  further contains a second embodiment of the illumination system  77 . In this illumination system  77 , the tip  76  of the light pipe  75  has been polished flat at 90 degrees to the light pipe  75  producing a narrower light pattern  78  for the target  38 . Even as some of the numbers on the  FIG. 3  drawing have changed from the  FIG. 2  drawing, the functions of the respective components in  FIG. 3  are similar to those detailed in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  details a third embodiment of the endoscopic device  102 , and one difference is that the endoscopic device  102  further contains a second embodiment of the imaging system  26 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , the components of the imaging assembly  250  are in a straight-line configuration (see  FIG. 7  description for further details). This change to the imaging assembly  250  is facilitated by the handle  105  of the endoscopic device  102  having a slightly larger diameter handle body  54 . Even as some of the numbers on the  FIG. 4  drawing have changed from the  FIG. 2  drawing, the functions of the respective components in  FIG. 4  are similar to those detailed in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 5  details a fourth embodiment of the endoscopic device  182 . This embodiment of the endoscopic device  182  combines elements of the second embodiment of the imaging system  26  and the second embodiment of the illumination system  77  that has the flat face  76  of the light pipe  75 . This change to the imaging assembly  250  is facilitated by the handle  185  of the endoscopic device  182  having a slightly larger diameter handle body  54 . Even as some of the numbers on the  FIG. 5  drawing have changed from the  FIG. 2  drawing, the functions of the respective components in  FIG. 5  are similar to those detailed in  FIG. 2 . 
       Descriptions of the Imaging Assembly Embodiments: 
       [0078]      FIG. 6  details a first embodiment of an imaging assembly  260  that is part of the first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2  in  FIG. 2  and the second embodiment of the endoscopic device  82  in  FIG. 3 . This imaging assembly  260  comprises two segmented coherent fiber (CF) bundles  201  and  221 , six achromatic optic elements  203  through  208 , and three dual-lens housings  209 ,  210 , and  211 . The two segmented CF bundles ( 201  and  221 ) comprise fiber segments of a length and diameter appropriate to fit the endoscopic devices  2  in  FIG. 2 and 82  in  FIG. 3 . A purpose of the two segmented CF bundles ( 201  and  221 ) is to relay an image of the target  38  through close-packed fibers while keeping the same orientation of the image of the target  38  that was first formed on the face  214  of the first segmented CF bundle  201 . Achromatic optic elements  203  through  208  are employed to transfer and focus an image of the target  38  being viewed at the distal end  212  of the imaging assembly  260 . Each of the optic elements ( 203  through  208 ) is made with different glass and grind radius in order to account for spherical and chromatic aberrations of an image being viewed. The first two optic elements ( 203  and  204 ) are contained within the first dual-lens housing  209  at the distal end  212  of the imaging assembly  260 . A purpose of these two optical elements ( 203  and  204 ) is to collect and transfer an image of the target  38  to the distal face  214  of the first segmented CF bundle  201 . The second two optic elements  205  and  206  are contained in the second dual-lens housing  210 . These two optic elements ( 205  and  206 ) have focal lengths that facilitate the image at the proximal end  215  of the first segmented CF bundle  201  being transferred to the distal end  218  of the second segmented CF bundle  221  without substantial distortion. This technique is known as Free Space Optical Coupling. A purpose of the third set of optic elements  207  and  208  and the dual-lens housing  211  is similar to the optic elements contained in dual-lens housings  209  and  210 . However, the magnification levels of optic elements  207  and  208  can be changed in order to adjust the size of the image as it is viewed on a video monitor ( 7  in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). The image at the proximal end  213  of the imaging assembly  260  is coupled ( 29  in  FIG. 7   a  through  FIG. 7   f ) to the CCD or CMOS element of a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera ( 28  in  FIG. 7   a  through  FIG. 7   f ) where it is transmitted by means of an antenna ( 35  in  FIG. 7   a  through  FIG. 7   f ) to a compatible receiver ( 6  in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). A difference between imaging assembly  250  and imaging assembly  260  is that the segmented CF bundle  221  has an s-bend  220  towards the proximal end of the bundle  221 . This change to the imaging assembly  260  allows the handles  5  in  FIG. 2 and 85  in  FIG. 3  of the invention, to have a smaller diameter. 
         [0079]      FIG. 7  details a second embodiment of an imaging assembly  250  that is part of the third embodiment of the endoscopic device  102  in  FIG. 4  and the fourth embodiment of the endoscopic device  182  in  FIG. 5 . This imaging assembly  250  comprises two segmented coherent fiber (CF) bundles  201  and  202 , six achromatic optic elements  203  through  208 , and three dual-lens housings  209 ,  210 , and  211 . The two segmented CF bundles ( 201  and  202 ) are identical and comprise fiber segments of a length and diameter appropriate to fit the endoscopic devices  102  in  FIG. 4 and 182  in  FIG. 5 . A purpose of the two segmented CF bundles ( 201  and  202 ) is to relay an image of the target  38  through close-packed fibers while keeping the same orientation of the image of the target  38  that was first formed on the face  214  of the first segmented CF bundle  201 . Achromatic optic elements  203  through  208  are employed to transfer and focus an image of the target  38  being viewed at the distal end  212  of the imaging assembly  250 . Each of the optic elements ( 203  through  208 ) is made with different glass and grind radius in order to account for spherical and chromatic aberrations of an image being viewed. The first two optic elements ( 203  and  204 ) are contained within the first dual-lens housing  209  at the distal end  212  of the imaging assembly  250 . A purpose of these two optical elements ( 203  and  204 ) is to collect and transfer an image of the target  38  to the distal face  214  of the first segmented CF bundle  201 . The second two optic elements  205  and  206  are contained in the second dual-lens housing  210 . These two optic elements ( 205  and  206 ) have focal lengths that facilitate the image at the proximal end  215  of the first segmented CF bundle  201  being transferred to the distal end  216  of the second segmented CF bundle  202  without substantial distortion. This technique is known as Free Space Optical Coupling. A purpose of the third set of optic elements  207  and  208  and the dual-lens housing  211  is similar to the optic elements contained in dual-lens housings  209  and  210 . However, the magnification levels of optic elements  207  and  208  can be changed in order to adjust the size of the image as it is viewed on a video monitor ( 7  in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). The image at the proximal end  213  of the imaging assembly  250  is coupled ( 29  in  FIG. 7   a  through  FIG. 7   f ) to the CCD or CMOS element of a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera ( 28  in  FIG. 7   a  through FIG.  7   f ) where it is transmitted by means of an antenna ( 35  in  FIG. 7   a  through  FIG. 7   f ) to a compatible receiver ( 6  in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ). 
       Descriptions of Partial Assembly of Endoscopic Device Embodiments: 
       [0080]      FIG. 7   a  details a partial assembly of the first embodiment of the endoscopic device  2  (see also  2  in  FIG. 1   a ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   a  is to show how the first embodiment of the imaging system  90  of  FIG. 2  fits within the handle  5  and the conduit  4  of the endoscopic device  2 . Included in the first embodiment of the imaging system ( 90  of  FIG. 2 ) are the imaging assembly  260 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the camera power connection  42 , the camera antenna  35 , the coupler component  29 , and the focusing mechanism components  30  through  34 . The s-bend in the imaging assembly  260  allows for a simpler handle body  44  but retains the imaging assembly  260  offset in the conduit  4  to accommodate other components such as the first embodiment of the illumination system  27  of  FIG. 2  that also reside in the handle  5  and the conduit  4  of the endoscopic device  2 . The imaging assembly  260  offset also facilitates accommodating a surgical tool lumen along the top of the inside of the conduit  104 . Other components have been omitted in  FIG. 7   a  for clarity. 
         [0081]      FIG. 7   b  details a partial assembly of the second embodiment of the endoscopic device  82  (see also  82  in  FIG. 1   b ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   b  is to show how the first embodiment of the imaging system  90  of  FIG. 3  fits within the handle  85  and the conduit  84  of the endoscopic device  82 . Included in the first embodiment of the imaging system ( 90  of  FIG. 2 ) are the imaging assembly  260 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the camera power connection  42 , the camera antenna  35 , the coupler component  29 , and the focusing mechanism components  30  through  34 . The s-bend in the imaging assembly  260  allows for a simpler handle body  44  but retains the imaging assembly  260  offset in the conduit  84  to accommodate other components such as the second embodiment of the illumination system  77  of  FIG. 3  that also reside in the handle  85  and the conduit  84  of the endoscopic device  82 . The imaging assembly  260  offset also facilitates accommodating a surgical tool lumen along the top of the inside of the conduit  104 . Other components have been omitted in  FIG. 7   b  for clarity. 
         [0082]      FIG. 7   c  details a partial assembly of the third embodiment of the endoscopic device  102  (see also  102  in  FIG. 1   c ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   c  is to show how the second embodiment of the imaging system  26  of  FIG. 4  fits within the handle  105  and the conduit  104  of the endoscopic device  102 . Included in this second embodiment of the imaging system ( 26  of  FIG. 4 ) are the imaging assembly  250 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the camera power connection  42 , the camera antenna  35 , the coupler component  29 , and the focusing mechanism components  30  through  34 . The handle body  54  has changed shape to facilitate the offset of the imaging assembly  250  within the conduit  104  of the endoscopic device  102 . Imaging assembly  250  is offset in the conduit  104  to accommodate other components such as the first embodiment of the illumination system  27  of  FIG. 4  that also reside in the handle  105  and the conduit  104  of the endoscopic device  102 . The imaging assembly offset also facilitates accommodating a surgical tool lumen along the top of the inside of the conduit  104 . Other components have been omitted in  FIG. 7   c  for clarity. 
         [0083]      FIG. 7   d  details a partial assembly of the fourth embodiment of the endoscopic device  182  (see also  182  in  FIG. 1   d ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   d  is to show how the second embodiment of the imaging system  26  of  FIG. 5  fits within the handle  185  and the conduit  184  of the endoscopic device  182 . Included in this second embodiment of the imaging system ( 26  of  FIG. 5 ) are the imaging assembly  250 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the camera power connection  42 , the camera antenna  35 , the coupler component  29 , and the focusing mechanism components  30  through  34 . The handle body  54  has changed shape to facilitate the offset of the imaging assembly  250  within the conduit  184  of the endoscopic device  182 . Imaging assembly  250  is offset in the conduit  184  to accommodate other components such as the second embodiment of the illumination system  77  of  FIG. 5  that also reside in the handle  185  and the conduit  184  of the endoscopic device  182 . The imaging assembly offset also facilitates accommodating a surgical tool lumen along the top of the inside of the conduit  184 . Other components have been omitted in  FIG. 7   d  for clarity. 
         [0084]      FIG. 7   e  details a partial assembly of the fifth embodiment of the endoscopic device  402  (see also  402  in  FIG. 1   e ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   e  is to show how the first embodiment of the dual-folded imaging system  406  fits within the handle  403  and conduit  404  of the endoscopic device  402 . The position of imaging system  406  within the endoscopic device  402  is important because it facilitates a horizontal lumen  408  passing from the proximal end  411  of the endoscopic device  402  to the distal end  415  of the endoscopic device  402 . This lumen  408  provides a low-friction path through the handle  403  and conduit  404  for a surgical device inserted at the proximal end  411  of the endoscopic device  402 . In order to accommodate this horizontal lumen  408 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the coupler component  29 , the focusing mechanism components ( 30  through  34 ) and one of the dual-lens housing  211  have been shifted off center of the handle  403 . The two 45 degree mirrors  409  and  410 , prevent substantial degradation of an image of the target  38  that sometimes occurs with an abrupt bend in the second coherent fiber (CF) bundle  202 . This embodiment of the endoscopic device  402  also contains elements of the first embodiment of the illumination system  27  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 7   f  details a partial assembly of the sixth embodiment of the endoscopic device  412  (see also  412  in  FIG. 1   f ). A purpose of  FIG. 7   f  is to show how the first embodiment of the dual-folded imaging system  406  fits within the handle  413  and conduit  414  of the endoscopic device  412 . The position of imaging system  406  within the endoscopic device  412  is important because it allows a horizontal lumen  408  to pass from the proximal end  411  of the endoscopic device  412  to the distal end  415  of the endoscopic device  412 . This lumen  408  provides a low-friction path through the handle  413  and conduit  414  for a surgical device inserted at the proximal end  411  of the endoscopic device  412 . In order to accommodate this horizontal lumen  408 , the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , the coupler component  29 , the focusing mechanism components ( 30  through  34 ), and one of the dual-lens housing  211  have been shifted off center of the handle  413 . The two 45 degree mirrors  409  and  410  prevent substantial degradation of an image of the target  38  that could otherwise occur with an abrupt bend in the second coherent fiber (CF) bundle  202 . This embodiment of the endoscopic device  412  also contains elements of the second embodiment of the illumination system  77  of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 . 
       Description of the Distal Baffle and the Optically Transparent Shield: 
       [0086]      FIG. 7   g  provides two views of a distal lumen baffle  150  that is placed at the distal end of each of the six embodiments of the endoscopic devices ( 2  in  FIG. 1   a,    82  in  FIG. 1   b,    102  in  FIG. 1   c,    182  in  FIG. 1   d,    402  in  FIG. 1   e  and  412  in  FIG. 1   f ). Cutouts  152 ,  154 ,  155  and  156  in the baffle  150  are for various lumens that are contained within the endoscopic devices. The baffle  150  is secured at the distal end of each of the endoscopic devices by the conduit seal  157 . The distal end of a lens washing system  153  is shown along with two locking pins  158  and  159  that mate with locking slots  160  and  161  to secure the optically transparent shield  151  against the baffle  150  when the shield  151  is required during a surgical procedure. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments exist that use a structure differing from that of distal lumen baffle  150  to provide functionality similar to that of the baffle. 
       Description of the Power &amp; Control System: 
       [0087]      FIG. 8  depicts a wiring diagram  300  of the power and control module (PCM)  3  (in  FIG. 1   a,  through  FIG. 1   f ) for six embodiments of the invention. Since a purpose of the PCM is to provide power and intensity control to a high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED)  37  and power to a wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28 , these components are included on this wiring diagram  300  for reference only and have been described in detail in earlier sections of this document. 
         [0088]      FIG. 8  presents the electrical system  315  for the invention that comprises an energy source  301 , battery monitor circuits  303  and voltage converter circuits  304 . The energy source in this embodiment of the invention is three standard C-cell batteries  301 . The batteries  301  provide power to the voltage converter circuits  304  that produces a regulated voltage for the remainder of the electronic circuits and components of various invention embodiments. The schematic symbol for ground  322  (or common circuit) connects the negative side  309  of the batteries  301  to all of the electronic circuits and components of various invention embodiments. A battery monitor circuit  303  provides a means of indicating when the battery voltage has reached a preset low level. The battery monitor input  310  is connected to the batteries  301  through the switch  302 . An indicator device  311  (yellow LED in this embodiment of the invention) is connected to the battery monitor output  318  and will present a visual indication (yellow LED lights in this embodiment of the invention) when the battery voltage has reached a voltage equal to or less than a preset low level. An ON-OFF switch  302  is provided so that the batteries  301  can be connected to or disconnected from the electrical system  315 . The main component of the voltage converter circuits  304  is a DC-to-DC boost voltage converter integrated circuit. When the batteries  301  are connected via the switch  302  to the voltage converter input  319 , the voltage converter circuits produce a constant voltage at output  308 . Even as the battery voltage begins to drop with use, or as the current drawn from the voltage converter circuits  304  varies widely, the voltage at the output  308  of the voltage converter circuits  304  will remain constant. Whenever switch  302  is closed and batteries  301  are in place, a second indicator device  312  (green LED in this embodiment of the invention), attached to the regulated voltage circuit  320 , will present a visual indication (green LED lights in this embodiment of the invention) that the electrical system  315  of  FIG. 8  has been powered up. The regulated voltage at  320  is supplied to the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  and high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED)  37  by means of connectors  307  and  324  and a cable  50 . Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments exist that use other types of batteries of that use a power source other than batteries, such as a wall outlet, capacitor-based energy source, or other power source invented in the future. 
       Description of the HB LED Intensity Control System: 
       [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 8 ; in some embodiments of the invention, a high brightness light emitting diode (HB LED)  37 , housed in the handles ( 5  in  FIG. 1   a,    85  in  FIG. 1   b,    105  in  FIG. 1   c,    185  in  FIG. 1   d,    403  in  FIG. 1   e  and  413  in  FIG. 1   f ) of the invention, provides varying intensity white light to the target  38  (in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 7   e  and  FIG. 7   f ). The intensity of the light produced by the HB LED  37  can be varied by a pulse-width modulated (PWM) intensity control signal  325  generated by the PWM system  316 . The PWM system  316  comprises pulse-width modulator circuits  305  and HB LED driver circuits  306 . The PWM circuits  305  produce a fixed-frequency square-wave where the width of half of one full cycle of the square-wave (see ‘T’ in  FIG. 9 ) is varied by potentiometer  313 . The PWM signal  323  produced by the PWM circuits  305 , is then fed to the input  314  of the HB LED driver circuits  306 . The HB LED driver circuits  306  converts the PWM signal at input  314  to a PWM intensity control signal  325  that has sufficient power to light the HB LED  37 . This signal at the output  321  of the HB LED driver circuits  306  is fed to the HB LED  37  by means of connectors  307  and  324 , and cable  50 . Various light intensities for the HB LED  37  can be produced from the example waveform diagrams of  FIG. 9 , A through E. These waveforms ( FIG. 9 , A through E) indicate that as the pulse-width varies, while the cycle time ‘T’ remains constant, the total power applied to the HB LED  37  (shaded areas of waveforms) will vary, thus increasing or decreasing the intensity of the HB LED  37 . 
       Description of the Interface Connectors and Cable: 
       [0090]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the interface connectors  307  and  324  are two separate components; a panel-mount type connector  307  and a mating inline connector  324  that is attached to cable  50 . The connectors  307  and  324  each have two separate contacts and a common ground; the cable  50  is a small diameter, flexible, three-wire cable. Connector  324  is permanently wired to one end of the cable  50  while the other end of the cable  50  is wired to the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  and HB LED  37  in the handle sections of the invention. 
       Description of the HB LED Intensity Control Waveforms: 
       [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 9 ; it has been stated that the pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal at the input  314  (of  FIG. 8 ) of the HB LED Driver circuits  306  (of  FIG. 8 ) is the result of varying the resistance of potentiometer  313  (of  FIG. 8 ). The shapes of possible PWM signals from this action are shown in  FIG. 9 , A through E. It can be demonstrated that for each of the waveforms (A through E) shown in  FIG. 9 , the intensity of the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ) would vary widely. For example, for the waveform at A, the intensity of the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ) would be expected to be at half or near half of its brightest setting since power to the HB LED would only be applied for one half of one cycle time ‘T’ as indicated by the shaded portion of the waveform. Variations in intensity of the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ), above and below this half setting, would be expected from the waveforms of B through E given that the shaded portions of the waveforms indicate power to the HB LED. Note that waveforms B and C represent conditions where the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ) would be at full intensity or completely OFF, respectively. 
       Description of the ABS Enclosure for Electrical System: 
       [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 10 ; in some embodiments of the invention, the electrical system  315  (of  FIG. 8 ) and the PWM power system  316  (of  FIG. 8 ), are housed in a small plastic enclosure  350 . The enclosure  350  is composed of at least two parts: a bottom section  351  and a top section  352 . A battery holder  353 , in some embodiments, designed to hold three C-cell batteries, is part of the bottom section  351  of the enclosure  350 . A printed circuit board (PCB)  354  is attached to the inside of the top section  352  of the enclosure  350 . The PCB  354  holds most of the electronic components of the electrical system  315  (of  FIG. 8 ) and the PWM power system  316  (of  FIG. 8 ). Connector  307  is attached to the PCB and protrudes through a hole cut in the end of the enclosure  350 . Connector  307  feeds power to the wireless CCD or CMOS color camera  28  (of  FIG. 8 ) and power and intensity control to the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ). Some electronic components that are not a part of the PCB  354  are the switch  302 , the indicators  311  and  312 , and the potentiometer  313 . These four components ( 302 ,  311 ,  312 , and  313 ) are attached at various locations to the top section  352  of the enclosure  350  and the components are wired to the PCB  354 . The shaft  314  of potentiometer  313  protrudes through the top  352  of enclosure  350  to allow for the attachment of the dial plate  355  (of  FIG. 11 ) and an indicator knob  356  (of  FIG. 11 ) on the outside of the enclosure  350 . This embodiment of the enclosure  350  is designed to sit on a table or tray. In another embodiment of the design, a loop or hook could be attached to the outside of the bottom section  351  of the enclosure  350  so that the power and control module (PCM)  3  (in  FIG. 1   a  through  FIG. 1   f ) could be worn on the hip of the operator of the invention. 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 11 ; since the potentiometer  313  (of  FIG. 10 ) is used to vary the intensity of the HB LED  37  (in  FIG. 8 ), there should be some indicator of the relative position of the potentiometer so that the position would provide an indication of the intensity of the light from the HB LED  37  (of  FIG. 8 ). A dial plate  355  and an indicator knob  356 , attached to the shaft  314  of the potentiometer  313  (of  FIG. 10 ) on the outside of the top section  352  of the enclosure  350 , provide the necessary indicating mechanism. Also indicated in  FIG. 11  are two sections of the enclosure: top section  352  and bottom section  351 . The two indicator LEDs  311  and  312  are shown attached to the top  352  section of the enclosure  350  as are the switch  302  and the connector  307  shown at each of the ends  357  and  358  of the enclosure  350 . 
         [0094]    Returning to endoscopic device  2  and related invention devices may comprise means for activating a sensor on the power and control module  3  or related invention devices. The sensor may take the form of a simple switch, or it may take the form of a more complex sensor. For example, the sensor may be a detector that interacts with the means for activating in such a way that the sensor is capable of detecting a unique identifier composing a part of the endoscopic device that identifies the origin, manufacturer, and/or type of the endoscopic device. Such an identifier, for example, may send a signal to the power and control module. In another embodiment of the invention, the identifier may include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or some other integrated-circuit-based identifier mounted anywhere on or otherwise associated with the endoscopic device. In another embodiment of the invention, the identifier may include a resistor mounted on the endoscopic device. In some of these embodiments, the sensor-identifier interaction causes hardware or software in the power and control module to refuse to power the endoscopic device, such as when the power and control module determines that an operator is attempting to inappropriately reuse an endoscopic device. 
         [0095]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the embodiments of this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fall within the true, intended, explained, disclose, and understood scope and spirit of this invention&#39;s multitudinous embodiments and alternative descriptions. 
         [0096]    Additionally, various embodiments have been described above. For convenience&#39;s sake, combinations of aspects composing invention embodiments have been listed in such a way that one of ordinary skill in the art may read them exclusive of each other when they are not necessarily intended to be exclusive. But a recitation of an aspect for one embodiment is meant to disclose its use in all embodiments in which that aspect can be incorporated without undue experimentation. In like manner, a recitation of an aspect as composing part of an embodiment is a tacit recognition that a supplementary embodiment exists that specifically excludes that aspect. All patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this specification are fully incorporated by reference to the extent that this material is consistent with this specification and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
         [0097]    Moreover, some embodiments recite ranges. When this is done, it is meant to disclose the ranges as a range, and to disclose each and every point within the range, including end points. For those embodiments that disclose a specific value or condition for an aspect, supplementary embodiments exist that are otherwise identical, but that specifically exclude the value or the conditions for the aspect.