An endoscope suitable for autoclave sterilization includes an insertion section having an objective lens section disposed at the extreme end thereof for focusing a subject image and an eyepiece section located on the base end side of the inserting section and including at least an eyepiece lens. an image guide fiber is disposed in the bundle for transmitting the subject image in an observation section focused by the objective lens section. An eyepiece lens unit is disposed in the eyepiece section, the eyepiece lens unit causing the eyepiece lens to confront the base end structure whose hermetic seal level is higher than the watertight seal level of the shell of the endoscope. A focus position changing means is disposed to the eyepiece lens unit to change the focus position of the eyepiece lens. The eyepiece section is so constructed and/or assembled that the autoclave sterilization process does not cause water vapor or the like to adversely affect the operability of the eyepiece section.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/386,718, filed Aug. 31, 1999, entitled ENDOSCOPE SUITABLE FOR AUTOCLAVE STERILIZATION.
Priority Data
Sep 01, 1998 [JP] 10-247460 Sep 01, 1998 [JP] 10-247461 Aug 24, 1999 [JP] 11-237552 Aug 24, 1999 [JP] 11-237554
In order to provide an arrangement for pressure compensation for optical devices, particularly spectrometers or the like optical devices, for compensating pressure differences caused by changes in temperature and air pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure at a housing of an optical device enclosing optical units, which arrangement prevents a contamination of optical functional surfaces of the optical units of the optical device and ensures a constant pressure balance between the interior space and the external surroundings of the housing of an optical device with its optical units while economizing on manufacturing costs, it is proposed that the arrangement for pressure compensation comprises at least one pressure compensating element which is constructed on both sides so as to be permeable to air and which is arranged in a housing opening of the housing wall of the optical device enclosing the optical units.
Hermetically sealed enclosures and constructions are disclosed for use in endoscopic systems, particularly endoscopic systems with electronic imaging and illumination systems in the enclosures. Compound optical windows are also disclosed for use in the systems. The compound optical windows may have separate panes for an imaging system and an illumination system, and contrast-reducing optical boundaries are between panes.
