Hermetic endoscope assemblage

Abstract

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.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A windowed closure comprising:
 a metal material and having a first receiver including a plurality of panes arranged as a compound window, at least one first pane aligning optically with an imaging system and at least one second pane aligning optically with an illumination system;   an optical boundary provided between adjacent edges of the at least one first pane and the at least one second pane to reduce transmission of light across the optical boundary between the panes;   wherein the plurality of panes are disposed in the receiver and joined to it by a melted-metal seal, the closure being adapted to connect to an endoscope shaft; and   wherein the optical boundary comprises an indented area in the window.   
     
     
         19 - 57 . (canceled) 
     
     
         58 . The closure of  claim 18 , wherein the optical boundary includes a first groove formed in a first surface of one or more of the plurality of panes. 
     
     
         59 . The closure of  claim 58 , wherein the optical boundary includes a second groove formed in a second surface of one or more of the plurality of panes. 
     
     
         60 . The closure of  claim 59 , wherein the first surface opposes the second surface. 
     
     
         61 . The closure of  claim 59 , wherein the first and second grooves are offset from one another. 
     
     
         62 . The closure of  claim 59 , wherein one or more of the first and second grooves are formed by etching. 
     
     
         63 . The closure of  claim 18 , wherein the optical boundary is formed with an opaque material. 
     
     
         64 . The closure of  claim 18 , wherein the optical boundary is formed with an indented area. 
     
     
         65 . The closure of  claim 59 , wherein the first and second grooves are rounded in shape. 
     
     
         66 . The closure of  claim 59 , wherein the first and second grooves are substantially rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         67 . A windowed closure comprising:
 a metal material and having a first receiver including a plurality of panes arranged as a compound window, at least one first pane aligning optically with an imaging system and at least one second pane aligning optically with an illumination system;   an optical boundary formed as one or more indented areas provided between adjacent edges of the at least one first pane and the at least one second pane to reduce transmission of light across the optical boundary between the panes;   wherein the plurality of panes are disposed in the receiver and joined to it by a melted-metal seal, the closure being adapted to connect to an endoscope shaft.   
     
     
         68 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the one or more indented areas include a first groove formed on a first surface of the plurality of panes and a second groove formed on the second surface of the plurality of panes. 
     
     
         69 . The closure of  claim 68 , wherein the first groove and second groove are offset from one another. 
     
     
         70 . The closure of  claim 68 , wherein one or more of the first grove and second groove are formed at an angle so that reflection across the optical boundary is reduced. 
     
     
         71 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the indented area is formed by etching to prevent reflections across the optical boundary. 
     
     
         72 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the indented area is provided with frosting to prevent reflections across the optical boundary. 
     
     
         73 . The closure of  claim 68 , wherein one or more of the grooves are provided with frosting to prevent reflections across the optical boundary. 
     
     
         74 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the one or more indented areas include a first groove formed on a first surface of the plurality of panes. 
     
     
         75 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the plurality of panes are formed in concentric circles. 
     
     
         76 . The closure of  claim 67 , wherein the plurality of panes are formed in nested circular arcs.