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Michael Kroll, Engineer and Registered Patent Attorney

IN THE APPLICATION

OF

Wolf-Dieter Keppel

FOR

Endoscope Dual Light Source

FILED WITH

THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

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ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

 An uninterruptible dual light source for endoscopic surgery. 

The present invention provides a primary lamp that is always in use when the light source is switched on, to supply an endoscope with light by means of medical fiber optic cables.  When the primary lamp fails prematurely or finally fails after the expected lifetime expires, electronic sensor circuitry detects the flickering or black out and activates the secondary lamp immediately and also switches the light source in less than a second from the primary lamp to the secondary lamp which then supplies an endoscope with light.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to endoscopes and, more specifically, to means and apparatus for switching between a first light source and a second backup light source when the first light source ceases to function.

Fiber optic cable is used to transmit light from a source through the cable to the cable distal end.  Finding wide application in the medical industry requires the monitoring and often changing of bulbs as they reach their rated hours of output before failure due to the absolute need dictated by the nature of use.

The present invention provides a second light source and means for switching between the first and second light source should the primary light source fail.

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SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an uninterruptible light source for an endoscope.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light source for an endoscope having a pair of light sources.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source for an endoscope wherein the pair of light sources serve as primary light source and secondary light source.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source for an endoscope wherein the primary light source is singularly actionable with the secondary light source acting as backup.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light source for an endoscope incorporating means for switching between the primary and secondary light source.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source for an endoscope wherein said switching means includes sensor means for indicating failure of the primary light source.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source whereby said indicator causes the switching means to actuate the secondary light source.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light source wherein said switching between a first and second light source is accomplished either mechanically or optically.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source wherein said mechanical switching means includes alignment of the secondary light source with the endoscope light-guide cable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light source wherein said optical switching means include a refraction element whereby both light sources are situated so that either actuated light source is refracted through the endoscope light-guide cable.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing means and apparatus for switching either mechanically or optically between a first light source and a second backup light source when the first light source ceases to function.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an uninterruptible light source of the present invention for endoscopic surgery;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the uninterruptible light source of the present invention in a primary position;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the uninterruptible light source of the present invention in a secondary position;

FIGURE 4 is a flow chart of the present invention for endoscopic surgery;

FIGURE 5 is a detailed view of the uninterruptible light source of the present invention in a primary position;

FIGURE 6 is a detailed view of the uninterruptible light source of the present invention in a secondary position;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of the present invention; and

FIGURE 8 is the second option of the present invention