CN101287404A - Lighting assembly used with vagina speculum apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum includes an assembly housing containing a light source, such as at least one LED or incandescent lamp. The illumination assembly, which can be battery powered or powered by means of a dedicated power supply, such as an AC power supply, is configured to be fitted within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.

Description

The illuminating assembly that uses with vaginal speculum apparatus

The cross reference of related application

The application's case is based on following two (2) temporary patent application cases, advocate based on the priority of 35USC § 119 (e): being entitled as of application on April 1st, 2005: the USSN 60/667,505 of ILLUMINATED VAGINAL SPECULUM ASSEMBLY; With being entitled as of on November 10th, 2005 application: the USSN 60/735,576 of ILLUMINATED VAGINALSPECULUM ASSEMBLY.The mode that the full content of each in the above-mentioned application case is quoted in full is incorporated herein.

Technical field

The application's case relates to hand-held medical diagnostic equipment field, and relates in particular to the illuminating assembly that uses in conjunction with vaginal speculum.

Background technology

Vaginal speculum is the Cervical common known equipment that is used for checking at present female patient in the diagnostic medicine field.Typical guiding sight glass comprises upper panel parts and lower panel parts, to described both operate, to open and close, so that enlarge patient's vaginal canal by coupling mechanism.According to a pattern of the vaginal speculum apparatus of making and selling by the Welch Allyn company of New York Skaneateles Falls, there is the rope illuminating assembly to be received within the hollow handle part of the disposable sight glass of making by moulding of plastics materials.Illuminating assembly comprises miniature (for example Halogen light or other miniature incandescent lamp), and it is included in the molectron shell, and is tied to special use (for example AC) power supply by the cable run bolt.When partly admitting light source by hollow handle, light source and the near-end coupling that is placed in the crooked light guide in the lower panel part, light guide is formed by the material that can transmit light.Light from light source by internal reflection along light pipes transmit to far-end, light guide extends along the inside of lower panel parts.Light from the far-end of light guide down the far-end of tab member be transferred to target (being cervix uteri), thereby allow the professional to carry out effective patient.

A problem of light guide as herein described is to form so-called high spot at luminous end place far away.The reflection of returning that luminous end far away further produces light, along the eyes of watching hole arrival user of sight glass, the described Kong Zaiqi of watching proximal end is formed between the tab member of up and down.This returns reflection and produces quite a large amount of dazzles, thereby weakens the effectiveness of checking.In addition, the target (for example cervix uteri) that is configured in of the far-end of current light guide locates to provide light heterogeneous to distribute.

Another problem is the Subject Extension of light guide in user's (internist) downward view, thereby forms the barrier of target.In addition, the distance light catheter end causes the shade of exterior lighting.

The problem of another concern is the amount of employed plastic material in the lower panel parts of molded disposable sight glass, comprises the material that is partly taken by light guide and hollow handle.Excessive plastic material causes extra manufacturing cost.Lower panel parts molded further influenced in the following areas: based on its square discontinuous end, thereby produce stress concentration, cause more weak location and potential breakage at the far-end of light guide.In addition, because near the cross section the door sharply changes, give the molded difficulty of having brought.

Another problem is, the far-end of light guide is collected the body fluid of discharging owing to checking through regular meeting, thus the generation pollution problem, and if the light transmission of fluid collection influential to the light-emitting area of light guide, can weaken the efficient of inspection.

Another problem is, industry has become and has been satisfied with that to utilize bolt be the idea of formula illuminating assembly.Although effectively with highly useful, exist this type of molectron to make inspection carry out unpractical situation, for example the situation of patient's bed.Under these situations, the rope section that has of speculum apparatus can become the obstacle of checking the patient.In addition, use to have in the rope illuminating assembly requirement inspection area to have non-portable (for example AC) power supply, this makes site inspection become difficult.In addition, the rope molectron mat that can become is arranged, or become dirt or other polluter, thereby require between checking, to clean continually.

In addition, the appearance of alternative source of light (for example LED) provides the member that is used to provide effective lighting, and the service life of described member is than the long service life of electric filament lamp.Up to now, because the poor efficiency of power transfer and illumination output has hindered this type of light source to incorporate in the portable lighting system of vaginal speculum in this field.It is desirable at least in some cases that these light sources are provided, but is not useable at present in this kind equipment.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect, disclose a kind of illuminating assembly that uses with vaginal speculum, described illuminating assembly comprises light source that is contained in shell, the described shell and the member that is used to admit at least one battery that the described light source that contains is powered, and described illuminating assembly is in adjusting the receiving compartment with the handle portion that is engaged in vaginal speculum.

Light source can comprise at least one LED, and for example white light LEDs perhaps can comprise electric filament lamp.Can in shell, be provided for admitting the member of described at least one battery, for example in cell compartments or independent assembly by being connected with shell via bolt system or mechanical engagement.

Illuminating assembly can comprise switching mechanism, and it is used for optionally making the light source energising.According to an embodiment, can on the outside of molectron shell, provide switch block.Switch block can be biased in the open position, wherein the molectron shell will make light source switch on automatically to the engagement in the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum.Switch also makes illuminating assembly can be implemented as examinating light independently.Described molectron comprises the member that is used for the locking switch parts, makes that not how the position of pipe shell in the receiving compartment of sight glass be, all can not operate automatically.

At least one battery that is used for light source is powered is rechargeable, and the molectron shell comprises low battery electric quantity indicator, when needs to recharge with indication.One group of charging contact also is provided, makes molectron to use in conjunction with Docking station.Molectron as herein described also can be used in conjunction with accessory power supply when needed under the situation that is difficult for recharging.Accessory power supply can comprise at least one battery or AC power supplies, its each all can be connected to shell.

Illuminating assembly can further comprise the sight glass adapter that can be attached to the molectron main body, and wherein said adapter helps the engagement of the receiving compartment of shell and sight glass.In a pattern, the sight glass adapter is incorporated into to be had: outer envelope, and it is equivalent to a kind of outer envelope of illuminating assembly; And inner big envelope, it is through adjusting to be suitable for admitting another kind of illuminating assembly.The sight glass adapter allows the aligned simplicity with respect to the receiving compartment of sight glass.

In another pattern, shell comprises base part.According to an embodiment, battery case and light source shell are placed on the side of base part with parallel relation, or battery can be stored in the single shell with light source.Compare with the remainder of described molectron shell, base part has bigger cross section, and wherein base part is configured to extend from it when being attached to the receiving compartment of sight glass.The length of base part is about 0.5 to 1.5 inch, is used to the effective length checked when being attached to sight glass thereby define.The cross section of the remainder of shell contacts closely through adjusting to form substantially with the inside of the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum.

The flexible shroud parts can be attached to base part, and according to a pattern, sheath component can mesh hermetically with base part.Easily separated tear tape makes can optionally discharge sheath component from base part.

Illuminating assembly further comprises the member of the heat that produced by described molectron of being used to dissipate.In a pattern, fin is placed in the described molectron shell.In another pattern, shell to small part contains phase-change material.

Illuminating assembly comprises at least one lens, and described lens are settled about described light source, to be used to guide the illumination from the light source that is contained.Described at least one lens are configured to allow the optical coupled of described light source and sight glass.

At least one feature of molectron shell is configured to make and can keeps in the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum, when wherein said molectron is configured in the molectron shell inserts the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum at least one preset distance, the light source that is contained is switched on automatically.

According to preferred styles, molectron is configured so that light source is switched on automatically, and wherein molectron can present one or more spin orientations at least in receiving compartment.In a pattern, illuminating assembly is configured to the main shaft around illuminating assembly, is placed in first spin orientation and is separated by on second spin orientations of 180 degree with respect to first spin orientation.According to this pattern, molectron still is configured so that light source is switched on automatically, and no matter how the spin orientation that is presented in the receiving compartment is.In another pattern, illuminating assembly is configured to present the arbitrary spin orientation around the main shaft of illuminating assembly.

According to another aspect, in the battery powered pattern, be provided under low electric weight situation, optionally making the member of light source and the interconnection of non-compact power, thereby allow molectron greater flexibility as herein described and multifunctionality.

According to another pattern, be provided for adjusting the member of the uniformity of the lighting point that the light source by energising produces.Also be provided for adjusting the member of illumination output.Latter's member can comprise at least one optical element of the upper end that is placed in described molectron shell.In a pattern, described at least one optical element comprises the component prism that is used to guide from the light of described light source, and described molectron shell can axially move in the receiving compartment of sight glass.

According to another pattern, be provided for adjusting member by the color of the illumination of described light emitted.

According on the other hand, disclose a kind of illuminating assembly that uses with vaginal speculum, described molectron comprises shell, and at least one LED that is contained in the described shell, described shell is in adjusting the receiving compartment with the handle portion that is positioned at vaginal speculum.

Described at least one LED can perhaps be powered by non-portable (for example AC) power supply by at least one battery powered.In a preferred styles, described at least one LED comprises white light LEDs.

Be provided for admitting the member of described at least one battery, wherein can in shell, provide described member, maybe can be connected to shell, described member for example is a power adapters, it has main body, and described main body machinery and electricity are attached at an end place of shell, or is tied to shell by the cable bolt.According to another pattern, the shell bolt is tied to AC power supplies.

Switching mechanism is optionally switched at least one LED.According to a pattern, switching mechanism comprises switch block, and its part is formed on the outside of molectron shell.In one embodiment, switch block can be biased in the open position.Switch block can be by Subscriber Locked, thereby prevents automatic operation, and further molectron is maintained in the on-position.

Described at least one battery is rechargeable, and can (for example) recharge by using Docking station.According to a pattern, on the basal surface of described shell, provide the charging contact.Low battery electric quantity indicator is provided, when may needs to recharge with indication.

Illuminating assembly as herein described also can comprise the member of the heat that produced by molectron of being used to dissipate, and for example is placed in the fin in the molectron shell.According to another pattern, shell or its at least a portion contain phase-change material.

Preferably, described at least one LED can have high output (for example, 1 watt and minimum 20 lumens/watt) and long life (for example, at least 1000 hours), thereby allows the use that illuminating assembly is effective at medical application and prolong.

The sight glass adapter can be attached to shell, and wherein said adapter helps the engagement of shell in the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum.In preferred styles, the sight glass adapter comprises: outside envelope, and it is equivalent to a kind of outside envelope of illuminating assembly; And interior big envelope, it is through adjusting to be used to admit another kind of illuminating assembly.

Shell comprises base part.According to a pattern, illuminating assembly can comprise battery case and light source shell, and each in battery case and the light source shell is placed on the side of base part with parallel relation.Compare with the remainder of described molectron shell, base part has bigger cross section, and described base part is configured to extend from it when being attached to the receiving compartment of sight glass.In preferred styles, the length of base part is about 0.5 to 1.5 inch, thereby sets up effective active length when being connected to sight glass.The size of the cross section of the remainder of described molectron shell is suitable for providing with the cardinal principle of the inside of the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum and contacts cooperation closely.

Illuminating assembly also can comprise the flexible shroud parts, and it can be attached to base part.In a pattern, sheath component can mesh hermetically with base part, and can comprise easily separated tear tape, thereby makes and can optionally discharge described sheath component from base part.

At least one lens is about being used for guiding from the LED of the illumination of illuminating assembly and be placed in shell.Described at least one lens are configured to allow the optical coupled of LED and described sight glass.

When illuminating assembly preferably is configured in described molectron shell inserts receiving compartment in the handle portion of vaginal speculum at least one preset distance, described light source is switched on automatically.For this reason, illuminating assembly can comprise can with the switching mechanism of the feature engagement that provided in the receiving compartment of sight glass, and provide automatic operation.Also console switch mechanism manually makes illuminating assembly can be used as examinating light independently.Optionally locking switch mechanism is to forbid automatic operation.

Molectron preferably can with the receiving compartment engagement in the handle of sight glass, make molectron be configured in described receiving compartment, at least one or an above spin orientation, the LED that is contained is switched on automatically.In a pattern, shell is configurable on first spin orientation and second spin orientation, described second spin orientation with respect to described first spin orientation be separated by 180 the degree.In this pattern, light source can energising automatically on first or second spin orientation.In another pattern, illuminating assembly is through adjusting to present in receiving compartment around arbitrary spin orientation of the main shaft of molectron.

Illuminating assembly comprises also that to be used for (for example) depleted or have under the situation of deficit power at the battery that is contained, and optionally makes the member of at least one LED and accessory power supply interconnection.

Illuminating assembly can further comprise the member that is used to adjust the luminous point size that is produced by the light source of switching on.

Illuminating assembly further comprises the member that is used to adjust by the color of the illumination of described light emitted, and can further be configured to adjust the output of the illumination that is produced by LED.At least one optical element that member comprises the upper end that is placed in described shell is adjusted in illumination output.Described at least one optical element comprises the component prism that is used to guide from the light of described light source, and shell can move in the receiving compartment of sight glass.

Illuminating assembly as herein described allows greater flexibility, because do not need the illuminating assembly of rope.Illuminating assembly provide with the better coupling of attached sight glass, and molectron is tied under the situation of non-compact power at bolt not and can be used as examinating light independently.Described molectron can be easy to clean and safeguard, and it is simpler to operate.

From the following specific embodiment that should read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will understand these and other aspect and feature and advantage easily.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus made according to prior art;

Fig. 2 is the front, perspective view of employed prior art disposable vaginal speculum in the equipment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the rear view of the prior art disposable vaginal speculum of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is the front, perspective view of Fig. 2 to the prior art disposable vaginal speculum of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is the unassembled rear perspective view of part of the vaginal speculum apparatus made according to first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the rear perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus of Fig. 5 of having assembled;

Fig. 7 is the unassembled front, perspective view of part of the vaginal speculum apparatus of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6;

Fig. 7 A is the perspective view of disposable shield sleeve parts of a part of illuminating assembly that is used for the vaginal speculum apparatus of coverage diagram 7;

The side perspective view of Fig. 8 employed illuminating assembly that is Fig. 5 in the vaginal speculum apparatus of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is the perspective bottom view that Fig. 5 arrives the vaginal speculum of equipment depicted in figure 7;

The part bottom end view of the vaginal speculum of Figure 10 depiction 5 to Fig. 7;

Figure 11 is the bottom perspective view of the illuminating assembly of Fig. 8;

Figure 12 is the perspective view of the removed illuminating assembly of lid of Fig. 8 and Figure 11;

Figure 13 A describes the rope illuminating assembly with respect to the interchangeability of Fig. 5 to the vaginal speculum of Fig. 7;

The guide wire of alternative shape of the equipment of being described among Figure 13 B depiction 13A;

Figure 14 is the bottom perspective view of substituting vaginal speculum design;

Figure 15 is the perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus that comprises wireless illuminating assembly made according to another embodiment;

Figure 16 describes the vaginal speculum apparatus according to Figure 15, and it comprises Docking station;

Figure 17 is the perspective view of making according to another embodiment that the rope illuminating assembly is arranged;

Figure 18 is the exploded view according to the vaginal speculum apparatus of another embodiment;

Figure 19 is the telescopic exploded view of employed lamp in the illuminating assembly of vaginal speculum apparatus of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is the rear perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus under the situation of having assembled of Figure 18;

Figure 21 is that Figure 18 is to the disposable sight glass under unassembled situation of Figure 20 and the side view of illuminating assembly;

Figure 22 is the functional electric block diagram of the illuminating assembly of Figure 11 and Figure 12;

Figure 23 is the side view of the vaginal speculum apparatus made according to another embodiment, and described vaginal speculum apparatus is similar to the vaginal speculum apparatus of Figure 16 and Figure 17;

Figure 24 is the side view of the vaginal speculum apparatus made according to another embodiment;

Figure 25 is the perspective view of the far-end of Fig. 5 light guide of arriving vaginal speculum depicted in figure 7;

Figure 26 is the enlarged drawing in the cross section of Fig. 5 bottom flaps parts of arriving vaginal speculum depicted in figure 7;

Figure 27 is the sectional side view of Fig. 5 to the light guide of the vaginal speculum of Fig. 7;

Figure 28 is the unassembled figure of part according to the vaginal speculum apparatus of another embodiment manufacturing;

Figure 29 is the top perspective of employed illuminating assembly in the vaginal speculum molectron of Figure 28;

Figure 30 is the side view of the vaginal speculum apparatus under the assembled state that is in that is shown as Figure 28 and Figure 29;

Figure 31 is the rear perspective view that is shown as the vaginal speculum apparatus in the alternate assembling position of being in of Figure 28 and Figure 29;

Figure 32 and Figure 33 be in unassembled and part assembled state down as perspective view with the sight glass adapter that has the illuminating assembly of restricting to use; And

Figure 34 is the diagrammatic view of the alternative version of the power adapters used to the vaginal speculum apparatus of Fig. 7 with Fig. 5.

The specific embodiment

Following content relates to described herein and based on according to the vaginal speculum apparatus of the band illumination of each embodiment of the application's case and some aspect of described equipment.Yet, should understand easily according to following argumentation, be understood by those skilled in the art that a lot of variations and modification, and wish described variation and be modified in the scope of inventive concepts.In addition, use some term in the whole argumentation, for example " top ", " top ", " bottom ", " bottom ", " in ... top ", " in ... below ", " near-end " and " far-end ", use its each so that suitable reference frame to accompanying drawing is provided.Yet these terms do not wish to be excessively restriction to remove the clearly indication of being far from it.

At first arrive Fig. 4 referring to Fig. 1, show a kind of prior art vaginal speculum apparatus 100, it comprises disposable sight glass 102 and reusable illuminating assembly 140.Disposable sight glass 102 comprises the assembly of three (3) individual interconnection, promptly down or bottom flaps parts 104, go up or top tab parts 108 and slide unit 112.In two tab member 104,108 each is preferably made by transparent durable plastic material (for example acrylic acid or polystyrene), and wherein each in lower panel parts 104 and the upper panel parts 108 all comprises flute profile far-end fin 116.Handle portion 120 extends vertically downward from the near-end or the rear end of lower panel parts 104, and wherein handle portion is integrally molded as the part of lower panel parts.

The mid portion of slide unit 112 is engaged in the guide groove (not shown), described guide groove be provided at handle portion 120 on the side at rear, slide unit further has fork-shaped upper end or yoke 124, it admits upper panel parts 108, upper panel parts 108 are attached to fork-shaped upper end or yoke 124 pivotally, and described upper panel parts 108 comprise from the lever segment 128 of the downward extension of the proximal extension of tab member.

Lever segment 128 further comprises opening 135 (only showing) in Fig. 3, it defines the user hole between yoke 124 and the upper and lower tab member 108,104.Lever segment 128 stops at projection 137 places, and the latter has interior groove 139.Protuberance 123 engagements that interior groove 139 can extend with the flexible rear of the slide unit 112 that is provided at yoke 124 belows, and more specifically be provided at lip-deep one group of axially oriented hook tooth 125 engagement of facing toward of described protuberance.The hook tooth 125 of flexible protuberance 123 is biased in the interior groove 139 of lever segment 128 of upper panel parts 108.By projection 137 is inwardly applied finger pressure, impel lever segment 128 to move, and provide and its just engagement along hook tooth group 125, come the angle between initial upper panel parts 108 and the lower panel parts 104 hinged.

In addition, slide unit 112 further comprises lower tongue 129, it has single hook tooth 130, one group of corresponding tooth 131 engagement on described hook tooth 130 and the outside, rear that is provided at handle portion 120, so that the opposing vertical adjustment is provided between up and down tab member 104,108 as required.This paper describes the additional detail relevant with disposable sight glass 100, comprises the adjustment of upper and lower tab member 104,108, and it can be the 3rd, 716, finds in No. 047 United States Patent (USP), and the complete content of described patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Fig. 1, the handle portion 120 of disposable sight glass 100 comprises receiving compartment 133, and its size is suitable for admitting the shell 144 of reusable illuminating assembly 140.Shell 144 keeps miniature incandescent lamps, halogen lamp for example, and it is remained in the distal portions 148 of shell 144 hermetically.The proximal part of shell 144 extends from receiving compartment 133 when being assembled into sight glass 100, and described proximal part comprises stress release adapter 152, and it extends to cable 156, and cable 156 further extends to switch assembly 160.As shown in fig. 1, cable 164 extends to pronged plug 168 from switch assembly 160, and it meshes corresponding socket 172, and the latter is by the respective cable 174 bolts system that extends to mains transformer 176.Switch assembly 160 is defined by elastomer shell, and it has the button 163 that can depress, and described button 163 is used for optionally making miniature incandescent lamps (not shown) energising that is contained in the distal portions 148 of illuminator enclosure 144.Can transfer the possession of and co-pending being entitled as common: find the detail relevant with illuminating assembly 140 in the 2004/0184288A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication case of ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY HAVING FLUID-TIGHTSEAL, the complete content of described U.S. Patent Application Publication case is incorporated herein by reference.

To Fig. 4, and for light is directed to the target of being paid close attention to from illuminating assembly 140, provide crooked light pipe or conduit 146 referring to Fig. 1, light guide has the near-end in the upper end of the handle portion 120 that is placed in lower panel parts 104 (Fig. 2).When shell 144 was inserted in the receiving compartment 133 of handle portion 120 of sight glass 100, the miniature incandescent lamp optical coupled that is contained was to the near-end of light guide 146.Then, by internal reflection, the light of being launched is directed into flat distal ends luminous end 147 by the length of light guide 146, and wherein light is then substantially along the Y-direction target distribution of lower panel parts 104.Light guide 146 preferably is molded directly in the lower panel parts 104, wherein as described, provides the near-end of conduit in the upper end of the receiving compartment 133 of handle portion 120.In operation, from coupled electric filament lamp light by plastic lens (show among these figure, but in Figure 27, describe wherein one) collect, described plastic lens also preferably is molded directly in the near-end of light guide 146.Described lens have suitable curvature, collecting from the light of the lamp of illuminating assembly 140, and guide described light by the light guide 146 that can transmit.

Although light guide 146 is provided for guiding the coupling component from the illumination of the miniature incandescent lamp that is contained of illuminating assembly 140, there are the relevant many problems of instrument design that arrive Fig. 4 with Fig. 1.At first, as clearly showing among Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, when the design of light guide 146 is watched by the proximal openings that is defined 135 of disposable sight glass 100 the user, cause barrier to the user.More particularly, the dazzle that the light that the generation of the reflectivity properties of light guide 146 is reflected towards user's near-end by the far-end 147 from conduit causes, the wherein effectively illumination of the loss meeting reduction target of light transmission.Formed extra poor efficiency is that when using exterior lighting, light guide 146 produces shade.In addition, the far-end 147 of light guide 146 is smooth, and perpendicular to the centrage of light guide, far-end 147 forms flow collection zone, and it has also hindered the light from target.Far-end 147 as the light guide 146 that this paper provided is also being made difficulty aspect the injection-molded.

To Fig. 7, show the vaginal speculum apparatus of making according to first embodiment 200 referring to Fig. 5.Vaginal speculum apparatus 200 comprises disposable sight glass 204 and illuminating assembly 230, and illuminating assembly 230 is attached to the handle portion 216 of sight glass releasedly.In this embodiment, handle portion 216 is a hollow, comprises the open bottom end in the receiving compartment 217 that extends to otherwise sealing.The handle portion 216 that comprises receiving compartment 217 defines by being substantially orthogonal cross section, hereinafter describes its importance in detail.

With aforementioned content class seemingly, according to the disposable sight glass 204 of this embodiment usually by last or top tab parts 212, down or bottom flaps parts 214 (it comprises handle portion 216 on the whole) and slide unit 220 define.In upper panel parts 212 and the lower panel parts 214 each all as about Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described similarly the structure, wherein each parts is preferably formed by durable transparent plastic material (for example acrylic acid or polystyrene), and wherein each tab member is further defined by flute profile elongate section or fin 215 (Fig. 7).Upper panel parts 212 further comprise lever segment 224, and it extends downwards in its proximal end.Slide unit 220 is also preferably made (is transparent although there is no need) by durable plastic material, slide unit 220 further comprises fork-shaped top or yoke 228, it admits upper panel parts 212 and flexible protuberance 225 pivotally, flexible protuberance 225 be placed in yoke 228 under, and extend back; That is, extend away from handle portion 216.Flexible protuberance 225 is bent upwards into convex surface configuration (as describing among Fig. 5), and comprises one group of hook tooth 226 of settling along its bottom surface.

Lever segment 224 is defined by the frame-like structure that comprises opening 221, thereby defines the hole, and by described hole, the user can come the patient is checked by upper and lower tab member 212,214 and bottom projection 227.The finger pressure of bottom on the projection 227 allow the user with the hinged at an angle sight glass 200 of the similar mode of previous described mode.According to this embodiment, the mid portion of slide unit 220 (in the axial direction) movably is placed in the guide groove 223, and guide groove 223 extends on the whole length of the rear side of handle portion 216.Finger pressure on the following tongue 229 of slide unit 220 allows to be provided at the single tooth on the slide unit 220 and is provided at the near-end of handle portion 216 or the engagement between one group of external teeth 222 on the rear side, and the selectivity by slide unit 220 and yoke 228 moves and makes the lower panel parts 214 can be with respect to upper panel parts 212 optionally vertical hinged (separating).Guide groove 223 extends axially by described group of external teeth 222, thereby improves moldability, and this is opposite with the pattern shown in Fig. 1.

As described in greater detail below, the size of the receiving compartment 217 of disposable sight glass 204 as herein described is suitable for holding convertibly and releasedly at least two illuminating assemblies.As hereinafter will describing in more detail, the illuminating assembly that can be held convertibly by sight glass can be based at least one structure and/or function aspects (comprising size, power supply type and light source type) and is changed.In a variation, the receiving compartment 217 of sight glass 204 can be admitted rope illuminating assembly 140 (Fig. 1) convertibly and utilize the molectron or the portable lighting molectron of the like configurations of non-compact power (for example AC power supplies), for example the exemplary set component 230, and it is more fully showed in Fig. 8, Figure 11 and Figure 12.The relevant details of exemplary pattern therewith now is provided.

For reference purpose, in each of Fig. 8, Figure 11 and Figure 12, describe at least in part according to the wireless of this embodiment or portable lighting molectron 230 at Fig. 5.Briefly, the shell 236 of hollow inside defines this illuminating assembly 230 by having substantially, and the size of described hollow inside is suitable for keeping some assemblies, and is as mentioned below.

More particularly, shell 236 is defined by the top 245 of bottom base part 260 and narrower extension.According to present embodiment, described two parts 245,260 of whole formation by molded described shell, shell is made by durable plastic material.The size on the top 245 of narrower extension is suitable for integrally being engaged in the receiving compartment 217 of handle portion 216, and comprises from the extension 238 of the outstanding short tube shape open-ended of its end face 235.

As more clearly showing among Fig. 8 and Figure 11, the top 245 of shell 236 also comprises one group of parallel orbit 249 (in each of Fig. 8 and Figure 11 only show wherein), its opposite side along shell is settled, described parallel orbit 249 is used for coming alignment package 230 with respect to the receiving compartment 217 of sight glass 204, thereby allow molectron on two spin orientations (apart 180 degree), to be engaged in intracavity, as described in greater detail below.

As described, the size of the inside of the cardinal principle hollow of shell 236 is suitable for keeping some assemblies.More particularly and referring to Figure 12, the open ledge 238 of tubulated ends comprises spacer tube 241.Lens 259 are coupled to the far-end of spacer tube 241.According to this embodiment, lens 259 have the plano-convex configuration, and in the recessed tubulose extension 238.These lens 259 are used for illumination more effectively is directed to light guide 254 (Figure 27) from coupled light source, describe in more detail in the part of back.

The top of light source also remains in the spacer tube 241.According to this embodiment, light source is miniature white light LEDs 232 (schematically showing among Figure 22), for example the Model LXHL-PW01 white light LEDs of being made by Lumileds company.LED 232 locates to comprise hemispherical transparent envelope (not shown) in the top, and it is aimed to provide and its optical coupled with lens 259.In addition, the inside of spacer tube 241 provides a surface, and it is used to guide from the veiling glare of the big envelope emission of LED 232, and with this photoconduction to lens 259.Perhaps, light source can be a miniature incandescent lamp, for example other suitable form of halogen lamp, arc light or light source.Although in addition and this paper described single source, can in shell 236, settle multiple source, for example have the led array of different colours (for example blue, green, white), so that the additive effect of nothing " HONGGUANG " wave filter to be provided.

The bottom of LED 232 remains in the fin of being made by Heat Conduction Material (for example aluminum) 244, the lower end of spacer tube 241 and extend in the fin 244 from the electric contact wire (not shown) of the extension of LED 232.Fin 244 cross substantially shell 236 extension top 245 width and extend, except the recess 272 in the chamber 276 of accommodating belt inwall.

Still referring to Figure 12, illuminating assembly further keeps at least one battery 242, in the case, described battery 242 is single rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the Model UF 812248P JFH battery of being made by Sanyo company for example, described battery are placed in the compartment that is defined by a pair of projection 280 that is used for keeping the lower end of battery.According to this embodiment, the upper end of battery 242 is held, against the part of inwall in the chamber 276 of defining the band inwall, the latter is through defining admitting the plunger that is loaded with spring 284 of fin 244 belows, and described plunger is through aiming to move on the direction perpendicular to the main shaft of illuminating assembly 230.

According to this embodiment, comprise and be used for assembly that LED 232 is powered and the printed circuit board (PCB) 240 of circuit is placed in the base part 260 of molectron shell 236.Circuit board 240 comprises the circuit that is used to control the required electric current of LED 232.According to this embodiment, circuit board 240 comprises buck or boost formula constant current led driver 251, for example is used for the Model LTC3453EUF of this purpose.According to this embodiment, use one group of track 285, remain in the shell 236 circuit board 240 and aligning, but can use other suitable retaining member.One group the charging contact 286 be placed in circuit board 240 under, each all gives prominence to the bottom surface 287 of passing shell 236.According to this embodiment, three (3) individual these type of contacts are provided, each in the described contact waits square to separate each other, hereinafter describes the purpose of doing like this in detail.Extend and extend through the back arrival circuit board 240 of the line process battery 242 of fin from the bottom of LED 232, and be connected with it in a usual manner, isochrone extends to the negative terminal of battery 242 from circuit board 240.

According to a pattern hereinafter described, battery 242 is rechargeable, and wherein the size of shell 236 is suitable for and is configured to allow by recharging with the attached of Docking station.Attached relevant details with the shell of illuminating assembly is described in embodiment subsequently, but purpose for this argumentation, and return referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12, when the base part 260 of shell 236 is placed in the port of Docking station, 286 engagements of charging contact, described port is configured to its maintenance.The lower surface engagement of contact 286 and circuit board 240 recharges the battery 242 that is contained with permission, and the latter is electrically connected to circuit board.In this case, three charging contacts 286 allow shell 236 to be installed in the groove of Docking station on the orientation that at least two 180 degree are separated by, and also allow to recharge, and therefore described contact is insensitive to the position.In preferred styles, and referring to Figure 22, circuit board 240 further comprises short circuit/overcurrent protection 247, with the short circuit that prevents battery 242 with overcharge.According to this embodiment, use the ModelUCC3952PW-1 that makes by Texas Instruments company, but can replace by other appropriate device.

According to present embodiment, base part 260 further comprises a pair of maintenance recess 289 (Figure 11), and its combined charge contact 286 and using is to allow " clothes-pin " mechanism (not shown) and its engagement, so that be used for charging when needed or be used for auxiliary power.

It should be noted that in passing various other configurations can be used for the auxiliary power supply or the main power supply of illuminating assembly 230 as herein described.For instance, and as shown in Figure 34, replacement is charged to battery 242, when battery near or when exhausting fully (the low battery electric quantity indicator 295 that provides on as the outside by shell 236 is indicated), shell 236 alternately is configured to hold plug-in type rope 291, and it is connected to non-portable (for example AC) power supply by transformator 296.According to this embodiment, place, top on the top 245 of adjacent housings 236 provides low battery electric quantity indicator 295, but otherwise (for example 287 (Figure 12) along the bottom surface) settle low battery electric quantity indicator 295, (for example) indicator is connected to circuit board 240 in a usual manner, as schematically showing among Figure 22.In addition, there is no need to require battery 242 (Figure 12) to be placed in the shell 236, but alternately be placed in the power adapters.As also showing among Figure 34, at least one battery 242 alternately and individually is included in the power adapters 298, for example by the cable 293 in the jack 297 that can be inserted in the base part 260, or by the power adapters that contains battery (not shown), and power adapters 198 bolts are tied to molectron shell 236, the one group of pin 299 that wherein for example is used to mesh charging contact 286 with described battery machine be engaged to the bottom surface 287 (Figure 12) of base part 260.

Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 22, and according to present embodiment, electric conductivity bar parts 290 extend along the medial wall of shell 236, and described parts have the lower end 292 of conductive contact 243 arrangements of proximate circuitry plate 240.Electric conductivity bar parts 290 extend in the extension, top 245, are placed in the contact 294 on the inboard of mechanical slide switch 248 with switch, and described switch is placed on the outside of shell 236, as the most clearly showing among Figure 11 and Figure 12.According to this embodiment, switch 248 is configured to allow to operate automatically when (for example) is placed in shell 236 by the engagement between the outer surface of internal feature in the receiving compartment 217 and switch 248 in the receiving compartment 217 of handle portion 216 at least one preset distance.In the case, the plunger 284 that is loaded with spring uses in conjunction with the inwall of receiving compartment 217, remains in the receiving compartment 217 with auxiliary engagement with illuminating assembly 230.

According to this embodiment, the outer surface of slide switch 248 comprises pair of outer protuberance 253, on the top and bottom of slide switch each one, with the manual operation of assisted group component.According to this embodiment, engagement impels switch 248 supporting the biasing of helical spring (not shown) and moves down, thereby switch is biased in open position, and the lower end 292 of impelling bus parts 290 electrically contacts the conductive contact 243 of circuit board 240, thereby finish described circuit, and make LED 232 energisings.

According to this embodiment, illuminating assembly 230 further allows slide switch 248 manually to be defaulted to latched position, wherein can make LED 232 energisings before in the receiving compartment 217 (Fig. 5) that molectron 230 is installed to sight glass 204 (Fig. 5).In this configuration, slide switch 248 is based on the downward engagement of the switch of realizing by the finger pressure that is supporting one in the outside protuberance 253 248, and be retained in the latched position, the location of one in the wherein said outside protuberance 253 is attached to the latch 261 of flat spring 263.The finger pressure of switch 248 allows the outage of LED 232, but during illuminating assembly 230 lockings, and how the position of pipe shell 236 in receiving compartment 217 (Fig. 5) be not, do not have automatic operation.

In the time of in addition and in not being placed on " locking " position, removing shell 236 from receiving compartment 217 can impel switch 248 (for example to cut off the power supply automatically, by switch 248 is upwards slided into the home position, thereby the lower end 292 of electric conductivity bar parts 290 do not moved to contacts with circuit board 240), thus and make light source (for example LED) 232 outages that contained.Should note, can utilize the switch assembly of other form, (but being not limited to) optical switch, magnetic/reed switch and other mechanical switch (ON/OFF commutator for example for example, it can be enabled with described sight glass when meshing with sight glass, to make LED energising and the outage that is contained automatically or manually).

Illuminating assembly 230 as herein described and operation (lock-in feature that comprises slide outside switch 248) wireless, carry with compact nature and further make molectron as herein described can be used as examinating light independently.LED 232 in spacer tube 241 the location and the location of collecting lens 259 allows directly effectively and emissive lighting equably.The LED232 that is contained in the illuminating assembly 230 and especially location in fin 244 further provides security feature, and reason is to make the exposed ends of tubular portion 238 to contact substantially with the patient under the situation that does not have specific injured risk.More particularly, because coupled lens are in the inside of tubulose extension 238, so lens 259 can not easily be touched by patient or user.When illuminating assembly 230 drops, lens 259 further with the impact load isolation.

Referring to Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B, and as described, the receiving compartment 217 of vaginal speculum 204 as herein described further allows the releasable attached of rope illuminating assembly 140, as before describing with respect to Fig. 1 and showing.As shown in Figure 9, receiving compartment 217 comprises a pair of relative inner tracks shape part 250, it is formed between two inner parallel substantially sidewalls of handle portion 216, and rail portion is extended generally along the length of receiving compartment 217, and rail portion is used for supporting and aligning has rope illuminating assembly 140.Can be installed at least two 180 these embodiment that spend on the orientation of being separated by according to molectron, rail-like part 250 also is used for aiming at the guide rail 249 (Fig. 8) of wireless illuminating assembly 230.

The top of arbitrary illuminating assembly shell 236,144 is received in the receiving compartment 217, and described top comprises the open part 238 of tubulated ends of the extension of shell 236, or the distal portions 148 (Fig. 1) of illumination shell 144 (Fig. 1).The inside of a pair of relative arrangement finger piece placed in the middle 246 forms guide members, so that will there be the distal portions 148 (Fig. 1) of rope illuminating assembly 140 (Fig. 1) to be positioned at center in the receiving compartment 217 on any one of two 180 orientations of being separated by.Be placed in crossed strip shape projection 136 (Fig. 1) the guiding illumination molectron 140 (Fig. 1) originally on the outside of illumination shell 144 (Fig. 1), and it is oriented in the receiving compartment 133 (Fig. 1).Projection 136 (Fig. 1) also by with the frictional fit of the inside of receiving compartment 133 (Fig. 1), fastening function is provided.

In either case, there are rope illuminating assembly 140 and wireless or portable lighting molectron 230 can be installed in the receiving compartment 217 of handle portion 216, wherein the light source that is contained in each molectron effectively with the coupling of the near-end of light guide 254 (Figure 27), with illumination target equably.In the formerly described wireless illuminating assembly 230, partly use the reflective interior surfaces of spacer tube 241, light is directed to lens 259 from the LED 232 that is contained, it collects described light, and then it is directed to collecting lens 262 (Figure 27), as mentioned below.

As discussed previously, the size on the top 245 of shell 236 is suitable for overall co-ordination in receiving compartment 217, wherein by substantially with (width x depth) in length and breadth on top 245 about 2: 1 handle portion 216 that recently defines in length and breadth than coupling, thereby define the closely cooperation of contact substantially.1.25: 1 to 3: 1 scope is suitable for providing enough stability and bigger rigidity, allows effective handheld operation simultaneously.The base part 260 of the extension of illuminating assembly 230 further defines effective length or active length, and measuring as the bottom from a P (Fig. 6) to base part 260 is 5.50 inches, as being showed by " A " among Fig. 6.Purpose for this argumentation, point P represents contacting with the patient for the purpose of checking usually of sight glass 204, and be positioned at most proximal end part on lower panel parts 214 outer lower side along the elongated tab portion 215 (Fig. 7) of lower panel parts 214, as described, this point is representational.More particularly, some P general location is near the far-end of light guide 254 (Figure 27).According to this embodiment, the preferable range of " A " is between about 3 inches to about 6 inches.In addition, the orthogonal end that is substantially of base part 260 provides stable pedestal for the user, and effective rigidity is provided, and wherein can easily hand described equipment 200 (Fig. 5).

To Figure 27, sight glass 204 as herein described comprises the light guide 254 with near-end 255 referring to Figure 25, and it is coupled to any one the light source in attached convertibly illuminating assembly 140 and 230.Near-end 255 further comprises collecting lens 262.Be not with such according to previous pattern, only lens are molded in the near-end, but will be molded as according to the lens 262 of this embodiment by bearing part 264 insert relevant with near-end, wherein said bearing part 264 is positioned at the centre in the annular gap 265 that forms between the described group of inside center finger piece 246.Bearing part 264 is reinforced in annular gap 265 by at least one net (not shown), and is sagging to prevent.Give the credit to this structure, collecting lens 262 provides the improved optical coupled with the light source of arbitrary illuminating assembly 140 (Fig. 1), illuminating assembly 230 (Fig. 7).By the improved mechanical registeration of illuminating assembly and lens 262 (Figure 27), and reach this improved optical coupled by the more effective internal reflection of the cylindrical portion office of the light guide in the annular gap 265 254.

Different with prior art, the far-end 258 of the light guide 254 also pattern with Fig. 2 is different.According to this embodiment, far-end 258 preferably is molded in the lower panel parts 214, and has the configuration of shaping.With regard to " shaping ", its expression far-end 258 surface have the shape of defining, described define shape be not with respect to light guide 254 the axle 90 the degree otch.Therefore, wish that this term can contain angled surface and both scopes of curvilinear surface (for example sphere, parabola etc.).The profile at far-end 258 places is preferably formed to fan-shaped, for example will cut by end mill(ing) cutter or similar devices.Perhaps, (for example) can place above-mentioned modification the molding process of the lower panel parts 214 of sight glass 204 so if sight glass is made by polystyrene, acrylic acid or similar material.To understand easily that described notion should not be limited to these materials, but also should be applied to almost any material that can transmit light.

The profile that is provided in the luminous end far away 258 according to this specific embodiment comes down to fan-shaped otch, and it forms radius is about 1.5 to 3.5 inches inside (promptly recessed) sweep.Provide the center of radius from a Q (Figure 27), when the far-end measuring radius, it is about 2.6 inches from the rear side of handle portion 210, and during from the top vertical survey radius of the groove 215 (Fig. 7) of lower panel part 214, it is about 2.4 inches.Show these sizes among Figure 27.Two vary in size that it should be noted that anchor point Q approximately+/-0.30 inch, and still produce required effect.Alternately use the angled otch of the otch of the fan-shaped end of fillet shape approximate mentioned above to form the far-end 258 that this paper defines.According to a pattern, the suitable angle of about 70 degree (as with respect to vertical line, measuring gained clockwise from the nearly upper end of otch) is provided, thereby forms the face that extends downwards.For improved lighting point quality is provided, still reduce dazzle simultaneously to the user, described angle can change to about 80 degree from about 55 degree.The integral body that distal face is passed in illumination, make fluid collection not significantly stray light transmit.This configuration prevents that further dazzle from reflecting back into the user by the opening of sight glass, and described profile itself is further come assisted user by less invading the visual field of seeing by opening.Perhaps, and replace providing successive profiled surface, far-end 258 can possess a succession of step-like surface (not shown).

In operation, collected from the light of coupled illuminating assembly 140,230 emissions by lens 262 (Figure 27), lens 262 are positioned on the bearing part 264, and internal reflection takes place in light guide 254 light, and then from far-end 258 emissions.The emission of light is feasible far-end direct light towards elongated tab portion 215 (Fig. 7), does not wherein have significant luminous reflectance and gets back to the user who watches by hole or opening 221 (Fig. 5).

Except that aforementioned content, can handle (for example, by making hair side) to surface near the light guide 254 of upper and lower tab member 212,214.This type of processing helps when sight glass 204 uses with external light source, reduces guiding unwanted light (that is the light except that the light that receives from target) to the user.Similarly, the far-end 258 of light guide 254 can possess multiple different optical surface (by it is handled), so that light output is smooth and the distribution of control illumination.

Figure 14 describes alternative designs, wherein the receiving compartment 217A of disposable sight glass can be through revising to hold wireless illuminating assembly (not shown), and described wireless illuminating assembly has the shell (not shown) that is configured to have in the side by the mode by side two AAAA batteries.According to this pattern, the size of one group of track 250A is suitable for accommodating individually rope illumination shell, the described molectron of wherein said rail alignment, and molectron remained among the receiving compartment 217A.In this pattern and previous embodiment, handle portion 216 (Fig. 5), 216A (Figure 14) can further comprise a succession of parallel vertically arranged rib 256 (Fig. 7), it is placed on the side of face forward of handle portion, the described rib member of the heat that produces by the illuminating assembly that is kept that is provided for dissipating, and be provided for making the member of user's finger away from " heat " surface.Determined to provide four (4) individual vertically extending outside ribs 256, its each have about 0.160 inch degree of depth, about 0.055 inch thickness, and have about 0.150 inch equal intervals provides these ribs that Additional Protection will be provided.Also can utilize other shape.

Also based on receiving compartment and the difference in size of rope between the illuminating assembly 140 arranged, in receiving compartment 217, form at least one air gap (Figure 13), described at least one air gap is used to guide heat, make it away from illuminating assembly 140 or alternate illuminating assembly 140A (showing among Figure 17 and hereinafter description in more detail), it can comprise LED and replace electric filament lamp as light source.Can utilize other member that is used for heat dissipation.For instance, shell 236 can contain phase-change material (PCM) at least in part, those phase-change materials of making by TEAP Energy for example, wherein the amount of residual heat will that is formed or produced by molectron is in fact during use through storage, and then after using described equipment, a period of time after the illuminating assembly of stopping using dissipates.

Except that aforementioned content, and referring to Figure 32 and Figure 33, can use the attached of the auxiliary receiving compartment 217 that rope illuminating assembly 140B and sight glass 204 arranged of sight glass adapter 281.Sight glass adapter 281 according to described embodiment is plastics molded body, and it comprises outer envelope 282, and the shape of outer envelope 282 is similar to the outer envelope of shell 236 in fact.Sight glass adapter 182 further comprises inner big envelope 283, and it is in the case through adjusting to accommodate the shell 144B that contains light source (for example electric filament lamp or at least one LED (not shown)) of rope illuminating assembly 140B.Sight glass adapter 281 is used for contacting closely substantially with the friction of the inside of receiving compartment 217 or snap fit or other.The inside big envelope 283 of adapter 281 is not requiring maintenance illuminating assembly 140B under the situation of predetermined alignment, and the optical coupled of the near-end of permission and light guide 254 (Figure 27).In operation, sight glass adapter 281 is spent at two 180 and is placed on one in the orientation in the receiving compartment (showing in this view), and before or after being placed into adapter 281 in the receiving compartment, illuminating assembly 140B is coupled in the inner big envelope 283.The size of adapter 281 is adapted such that the distal portions 148B of molectron along with molectron extends through wherein, thus light source that permission is contained and light guide (showing in this view) optical coupled.Adapter main body be provided for the dissipating member of the heat that produced by the illuminating assembly that is contained, wherein at least a portion of adapter 281 also can further be made by phase-change material (PCM) (for example previous described those phase-change materials).

Because the portable and non-bolt of illuminating assembly 230 (Fig. 7) is (wireless) character, according to this embodiment and other following described embodiment, speculum apparatus 200 as herein described has more multifunctionality, and can (for example) be based in part on and do not exist, the fact that rope section is arranged that 216A extends and sickbed patients is used from handle portion 216.As discussed previously, luminaire as herein described has about 3 to 6 inches effective working distance A (Fig. 6), its in bed or the patient on the examining table multifunctionality and the practicality of increase are provided.Thus, there be not connecing of for example before having run into or bolt is the relevant problem of molectron with cable.By after checking with arbitrary illuminating assembly 140,230 from handle portion 216, the receiving compartment 217 of 216A, described arbitrary illuminating assembly 140,230 can be easily reused in 217A removal, and abandon sight glass 204.Perhaps, can before using, be coated with rope illuminating assembly 140 (Fig. 1) with disposable shield sleeve.Be entitled as: describe this type of sheath in the 2004/0186355A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication case of PROTECTIVE SHEATH FOR ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY OF A DISPOSABLEVAGINAL SPECULUM, the full content of described U.S. Patent Application Publication case is incorporated herein by reference.Also describe to be used for the part of the exemplary sheath molectron 1624 of this purpose among Figure 23, its utilization comprises the prior art sight glass 102 of groove 134 (Fig. 1), groove 134 is formed on receiving compartment 133 places at the bottom place of contiguous handle portion 120, described groove be sized to accommodate disposable shield sleeve molectron 1624.Sheath molectron 1624 comprises reel or endless member.This sheath molectron can be used in conjunction with wireless illuminating assembly, maybe can use alternate sheath molectron design.As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 7 A, on the other hand, can use flexible shroud parts 266, cover the extension base part 260 of illuminating assembly 230 with the cardinal principle sealing relationship.According to the sheath component 266 of this embodiment only needs meet base part 260, because the remainder of illuminating assembly 230 is included in the receiving compartment 217, wherein can uses the projection 268 that allows to tear the easily separated tear tape of being settled 270 to remove sheath and remove.

As described, the alternate embodiment that contains wireless (for example battery-powered) illuminating assembly.Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 16, show the vaginal speculum apparatus of making according to another embodiment 378.According to this embodiment, the disposable sight glass 102 of described equipment aspect structure with identical according to the disposable sight glass that Fig. 1 described.For this reason, for the sake of clarity, same reference numerals is used for identical part.Disposable sight glass 102 comprises lower panel parts 104, and it has integral type handle portion 120, is formed with receiving compartment 133 in the handle portion 120.As discussed previously, illumination shell 144 is (as Fig. 1 to as shown in Fig. 4, rather than shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16) (for example 78810 type illumination apparatuies of being made by Welch Allyn company) be coupled in the receiving compartment of handle portion 120 far-end of the light guide that is contained to be coupled to releasedly.

Can also be under the situation that needs are not made amendment to sight glass according to the wireless illuminating assembly of this embodiment, be attached to convertibly in the receiving compartment 133 of handle portion 120 of sight glass 102.In other words, according to this embodiment, there are rope illuminating assembly shell and wireless illuminating assembly can be coupled to convertibly in the receiving compartment 133 that defines to the handle portion 120 of the sight glass 102 of Figure 16 by Figure 15.

Still referring to Figure 15 and Figure 16, define by shell 384 according to the wireless illuminating assembly 380 of this embodiment, wherein that at least one is extremely compact battery 404 is placed in the lower end or near-end 388 of shell.Described at least one compact battery 404 can be the AAAA rechargeable battery, for example the battery (AAAA type, 1.2 volts, the NiMH rechargeable battery of 300 MAHs) that can buy from Sanyo company.Also available other suitable minicell replaces.Miniature (is miniature LED in the case, not shown, but, for example LXHL-PW01 type white light LEDs by Lumileds company made similar) be placed in the far-end of illuminator enclosure 384 of contiguous collecting lens 392 with the miniature LED that before in Figure 22, was described as 232.If described at least one battery 404 is NiMH types, may need a circuit at described outside batteries so, so that correct electric current is provided to LED 232 (Figure 22).In battery 404 circuit external can be through setting the constant current circuit with the required electric current of LED conveying 232 (Figure 22), be similar to the circuit of before describing in Figure 22.NiMH battery as herein described operation under 1.2 volts usually, and LED 232 (Figure 22) operates under 3.7 volts.Therefore, be less than three (3) individual NiMH batteries if use, the circuit at battery 404 should be a booster circuit so.

Illuminating assembly 380 further comprises circuit 400, and it allows the voltage of at least one battery that contains 404 to be elevated to the required voltage of LED 232 (Figure 22) when needed.Common and as indicated above, the voltage that LED 232 (Figure 22) power supply station is needed is about 3.7 volts.The rated power of LED as herein described is 1 watt, has the light output of at least 20 lumens/watt, and has at least 1000 hours the shortest service life.More completely description is used to carry out the example circuit that this allows battery is carried out the electric function of adjusting in the 2004/0183482A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication case that is entitled as ELECTRICAL ADAPTER FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS USING LEDSAS ILLUMINATION SOURCES of application on March 20th, 2003, and the content of described U.S. Patent Application Publication case is incorporated herein by reference.Being provided at fin 396 in the illuminating assembly shell 384 allows to dissipate effectively by LED 232 (Figure 22) and the heat of following circuit 400 to produce.As indicated above, because the cause of the size of described at least one battery 404 and LED, the size of illuminating assembly shell 384 is suitable for being engaged under not needing it is carried out the situation of any modification in the receiving compartment 133 of handle portion 120 of sight glass 102, and wherein said assembly is through arranging so that when illuminating assembly shell 384 is inserted in the handle portion 120, and the near-end 388 of molectron shell 384 only extends from handle portion 120 on the limit.LED by lens 392 (only in Figure 16, showing) and 262 (Figure 27) with respect to the near-end (for example before described) of light guide 254 or with respect to current light guide 146 (Fig. 2) and optical coupled.

The service life of compact battery 404 as herein described is relatively limited.Preferably, equipment is configured to make that described battery surpasses the life-span that continuity equals the time of a check day at least through design with operation.Referring to Figure 16, provide to recharge or Docking station 408, described station can be connected to AC power supplies (not shown), and comprises some receiving channels, and it defines corresponding charging socket 412.The size of each in the charging socket 412 is suitable for admitting the near-end 388 of illuminating assembly shell 384.The following elongated end of illuminating assembly shell 384 or near-end 388 comprise the potted circuit that charges of charge inducing circuit (not shown) that is used for sealing, or by pin or other suitable connection and the contact that recharges socket 412 engagements, the contact 286 (Figure 12) of for example charging.A plurality of sockets 412 that recharge are provided, thereby allow a plurality of illuminating assemblies 380 of storage, and simultaneously a plurality of illuminating assemblies 380 are charged, to be used at vaginal speculum apparatus 378 as herein described.Docking station 408 can further comprise at least one charge level indicator, when finishes with the indication charging.As discussed previously, similarly Docking station can be configured to according to (for example) its geometry, and any one in wireless or portable lighting molectron as herein described used.

In addition and referring to Figure 17, will understand, the rope illuminating assembly 140 that has of Fig. 1 also can be configured to provide alternate led light source again, replaces electric filament lamp.According to this embodiment, it is similarly that the total structure of rope illuminating assembly 140A is arranged, and therefore uses identical reference number in suitable place.LED 232 (Figure 22) (for example Model LXHL-PW01 white light LEDs of being made by Lumileds company) is placed among the distal portions 148A of shell 144A.LED 232 (Figure 22) comprises hemispherical transparent envelope (not shown), and it extends from distal portions 148A, with the handle that is placed in vaginal speculum in the near-end optical coupled of light guide (in this figure, showing), as discussed previously.The size of shell 144A to be to be similar to the mode of the molectron shown in Fig. 1, suitably is adapted to fit in the receiving compartment 133 (Fig. 1) that the handle portion 120 (Fig. 1) by sight glass 102 (Fig. 1) defines.Comprising the electric filament lamp that LED replaces being contained provides some advantages, for example increases service life, and heating reduces, and color rendering properties is improved and power consumption reduces.As shown in Figure 17 and be similar to Fig. 1, the proximal part of illuminating assembly shell 144A comprises the stress release adapter 152 that extends to cable 156, and described cable 156 further extends to switch assembly 160.Cable 164 extends to pronged plug from switch assembly 160, and it meshes corresponding socket 172, and the latter is by the respective cable 174 bolts system that extends to power supply 176.Switch assembly 160 is defined by elastomer shell, its have can press by button 163, button 163 is used to make the LED that is contained 232 (Figure 22) in the distal portions 148A of illuminating assembly shell 144A optionally to switch on.

In operation, it is illuminating assembly 140 that rope or bolt are arranged, in 140A or the wireless illuminating assembly 380 each can be placed in the receiving compartment 133 of disposable sight glass 102 convertibly, and with the coupling of the near-end of light guide 146, wherein throwing light on is directed into far-end 147 by internal reflection towards target by light guide.Although not shown, shell 384 is configurable a switch block, with shell by with the inside of shell and/or receiving compartment at least one feature engagement when being arranged in the receiving compartment 133 at least one preset distance, the light source that is contained can be switched on automatically.

To Figure 21, show vaginal speculum apparatus 1200 referring to Figure 18 according to another embodiment.With aforementioned content class seemingly, the illuminating assembly 1260 that speculum apparatus 1200 comprises disposable sight glass 1204 and is attached to described sight glass releasedly.In addition and also with aforementioned content class seemingly, sight glass 1204 be configured to allow the rope illuminating assembly (for example 140, Fig. 1) or wireless (portable) illuminating assembly 1260 commutative attached.For the purpose of this embodiment, this paper only discusses wireless illuminating assembly 1260 in detail.

Disposable sight glass 1204 according to this embodiment is defined by last or top tab parts 1212, the lower panel parts 1214 that comprise integral type handle portion 1216 and slide unit 1220.In top tab parts 1212 and the lower panel parts 1214 each, and is formed by durable transparent plastic material (for example acrylic acid or polystyrene) to structure similarly as shown in Fig. 4 as Fig. 1, wherein each fin all is defined as the flute profile elongated member.Top tab parts 1212 further comprise the lever segment 1222 of downward extension in its proximal end.Also the slide unit of being made by plastic material 1220 further comprises fork-shaped top or yoke 1226, and it admits the lever segment 1222 of top tab part 1212 pivotally.According to this embodiment and different with aforementioned content, handle portion 1216 does not comprise collecting lens or light guide (as before desired).On the contrary, the top of the inside of handle portion 1216 is open.

Columniform substantially jack 1234 is in the part of the contiguous handle portion 1216 of far-end, and be placed in lower panel parts 1214 belows, and in fact thereunder vertically extend, the hollow inside that described jack 1234 has open end 1238 and defines, the size of described hollow inside is suitable for keeping the illuminating assembly 1260 of equipment 1200 as herein described, and is as described in greater detail below.Yet, should be easily understood that available other geometry replaces.Jack 1234 comprises: top 1242 (only in Figure 21, showing), and it is opaque according to this embodiment or black and bottom 1246, and it is formed by transparent material (for example material of lower panel parts), and the bottom comprises open end 1238.Jack 1234 passes the opening that is formed in the lower panel parts 1214 and attached, and top 1242 partly extends through described opening, or the mode that jack can be other is Unitarily molded, so that form the part of lower panel parts.According to another alternative version, can revise (for example widening, not shown) handle portion 1216, so that accept illuminating assembly 1260.

Referring to Figure 18, provide the exploded view of illuminating assembly 1260.According to this specific embodiment, illuminating assembly 1260 is defined by hollow case or shell 1264, described hollow case or shell 1264 be sized to accommodate some assemblies, comprise the component prism 1286 that is installed to its top 1269.Case 1264 keeps miniature, and it is miniature LED 1272 (Figure 19) according to this embodiment, for example the Model LXHL-PW01 white light LEDs of being made by Lumileds company.Perhaps, light source can be a miniature incandescent lamp, for example the suitable sources of halogen lamp, arc light or other form.Or available different LED replaces, and for example the array of the LED of different colours (for example blue, green) can be provided in the shell, and is configured so that combination results " no HONGGUANG " wave filter.

Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19, miniature LED 1272 is remained in the sleeve pipe 1276.Rechargeable or other battery 1280 are placed in the case 1264, below sleeve pipe 1276, wherein metal conductive strips parts 1284 are placed in the inside of case along battery and telescopic outside, to finish circuit.Battery 1280 is kept by the spring 1288 at lower end that is placed in battery or negative terminal place, and case has end cap 1292, to be used for keeping releasedly said modules.Between component prism 1268 and sleeve pipe 1276, provide collecting lens 1286 according to this embodiment, be used to collect and distribute equably the light output of miniature LED1272 by component prism, component prism comprises the upper surface of mirror, make light output between two tab member 1212,1214, be directed.Lens 1286 according to this embodiment are plano-convex.

Refer now to Figure 19 the details relevant with the sleeve pipe 1276 of illuminating assembly 1260 is provided, sleeve pipe 1276 comprises cylinder blanket main body 1304, and it is made by Radel R, Polyphenylene Sulfone or other suitable polymers according to this embodiment.Perhaps, main body 1304 can be by almost any electrically insulating material manufacturing, and wherein miniature LED 1272 (only partly showing in Figure 19) is placed in contiguous far-end 1306 places that become the attached reflector caps part 1310 of overlapping relation with it.The printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 1314 that contains suitable electronic equipment 1318 above is used for driving (for example power supply) miniature LED 1272, and is used for making and can be powered to LED by battery supply 1280 (Figure 18).Describe the circuit that is used for this purpose in common transfer and co-pending 2004/0183482A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication case, described U.S. Patent Application Publication case before was incorporated herein by reference in full.PCB 1314 according to this embodiment just is placed in miniature LED 1272 belows or approaching miniature LED 1272, and the opening 1322 that comprises the ledge 1326 that is used to admit fin 1330, described fin 1330 is kept by housing main body 1304, so that the heat that dissipates and produce, and the heat that also produces by PCB 1314 by miniature LED 1272.

Fin 1330 comprises axial notch 1327, and it extends on its whole axial length, and its size is suitable for keeping one in a pair of electric contact.First electric contact 1329 extends from the nearside of printed circuit board (PCB) 1314, and comprises lead-in wire and bar parts 1334.The bar parts 1334 of this electric contact 1329 are clipped between the outside of sleeve pipe lining ring 1333 and casing main body 1304 when final assembling.Second electric contact 1331 is by forming from battery contact plate 1335 axially extended lead-in wires, and described plate remains in the bottom of casing main body 1304.According to this embodiment, first electric contact 1329 is negative electrical contact, and second electric contact 1331 is positive electrical contact, and wherein the plus end of battery 1280 (Figure 18) is by rivet 1337 contacts in the hole 1339 of the cutting at the place, bottom that is placed in casing main body 1304.

Still referring to Figure 19, reflector caps part 1310 is defined by the port 1336 that the lens big envelope around miniature LED 1272 cooperates, according to an embodiment, described port has the surface 1338 of inside convergent, it is used for the light from miniature LED 1272 emissions is focused on collecting lens 1286 (Figure 18) effectively, and collecting lens 1286 is engaged between component prism 1268 and the LED 1272.According to this embodiment, the also recessed LED lens of reflector caps part 1310, and protect lens to avoid damaging, for example when removing from illuminating assembly case 1264 so that cleaning, avoid making sleeve pipe 1276 to drop.

By the way, it should be noted that sleeve pipe 1276 is whole portable and modular, and therefore (for example) by having another telescopic simple replacement of Different Light, other LED or light source can replace in illuminating assembly as herein described.

Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19, when by rotary switch molectron (not shown), when contact spring 1288 axially promotes battery 1280, form negative electrical contact.When switch meshes, the bar 1334 contact sleeve pipe lining rings 1333 of electric contact 1329, wherein the contact plate in the casing main body 1,304 1335 contacts the positive battery terminals, thereby finishes circuit, and makes the LED1272 energising.

It should be noted that the switch assembly that can utilize other form, for example LED that contained of optical switch, magnetic/reed switch and/or make other mechanical switch of energising and outage automatically, and/or the molectron of other form.Be further noted that by the way each in the aforementioned handle portion can comprise the feature of groove for example or groove, it allows, and (for example 248, user Figure 12) manually meshes by the external switch parts.

In operation, illuminating assembly 1260 is attached to the cylindrical receptacle 1234 of disposable sight glass 1204 releasedly, make component prism 1268 be placed into two tab member 1212 that extend to of jack, top 1242 (Figure 20 in the opening that is provided between 1214,21) in, wherein the top of lower panel parts 1214 has the opening (not shown) towards far-end.On this orientation, the light-emitting area of component prism 1268 is towards the opening axial lead between top tab parts 1212 and the lower panel parts 1214.Case 1264 is by with the friction of the inwall of jack 1234 or interference engagement and be received, but can use other suitable discharged maintenance scheme, for example snap fit.

Provide not molded or light guide or similar optical coupling member (for example Fig. 2 is provided in Fig. 4) otherwise be provided in the needs infra tab member 1214 according to this illuminating assembly 1260 of present embodiment.In addition, because illuminating assembly 1260 is battery-powered, so do not need connection cord.Therefore, equipment as herein described becomes and has more multifunctionality, for example allows to be used for sickbed patients, prevents to tangle with clinicist or patient, and prevents to assemble owing to the dirt on the cable risk of the cross infection that causes.As in aforementioned content, battery is rechargeable, and illuminating assembly can be placed in the Docking station (for example describing among Figure 16), recharges allowing.

The embodiment of embodiment shown in Figure 23 and Figure 16 and Figure 17 is similar, and wherein for the sake of clarity, this paper comes the part of designate similar with same reference numerals.Vaginal speculum apparatus 1600 comprises the illuminating assembly 1608 that carries, and it is provided in the handle portion 120 of disposable sight glass 102.In this embodiment, illuminating assembly 1608 comprises shell 1612, shell 1612 comprises miniature 1614, for example white light or other LED (as discussed previously), the output that wherein contains light source is coupled to collecting lens 1616 and is coupled to the light guide 1620 of sight glass 102 (with Figure 16 and Figure 17 similar).According to this embodiment, the handle portion 120 of sight glass 102 comprises groove 134 (Fig. 1), its contiguous receiving compartment 133 that holds disposable shield sleeve molectron 1624.Disposable shield sleeve molectron 1624 comprises reel or endless member 1628, and it is attached to groove 134, and described reel parts have opening, and described opening allows illuminating assembly to pass from it.Reel or endless member further keep thin flexible and transparent sheath 1632, and it is folded on the outside of reel parts, so that the expansion of described parts, to cover illuminating assembly 1608 when needed.Describe each in the exemplary pattern of this type of sheath molectron 1624 and itself and the interconnection of disposable sight glass in 2004/0186355A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication case, described U.S. Patent Application Publication case full text before was incorporated herein by reference.

The another embodiment that shows vaginal speculum apparatus 1700 according to Figure 24.This particular device 1700 comprises the illuminating assembly 1708 that is defined by shell 1712, and the size of shell 1712 is adapted to fit in the receiving compartment of handle portion 1216 of disposable sight glass 1204.Shell 1712 according to this embodiment contains power supply (for example battery that at least one contained), and is used for circuit that light source (for example at least one LED 1716) is powered.Yet, in this embodiment, and replace using light guide, LED 1716 externally settles along the surface of flute profile lower panel parts 1214, LED is placed in the position of far-end light-emitting area of light guide, wherein LED 1716 is coupled to shell 1712 by one group of lead-in wire 1720 and electric contact, and latter component is covered by the inclusion enclave 1724 of fluid-tight, and described inclusion enclave is formed by wall or dividing plate 1725.

Another vaginal speculum apparatus 300 that Figure 28 describes to make according to the application's case in Figure 31.As in aforementioned content, equipment 300 comprises disposable sight glass 304 and is attached to the illuminating assembly 306 of described sight glass releasedly, and described illuminating assembly has the light source (not shown) that is contained.

The similar part of disposable sight glass that this paper showed 304 and Fig. 1 disposable sight glass described in Fig. 4 is, sight glass comprises or top tab parts 308 and following or bottom flaps parts 312, the latter comprises integral type handle portion 316, and it has the bottom end opening that extends in the receiving compartment 317.Slide unit 320 is attached to the rear side of sight glass 304, and slide unit is coupled in the groove on the side at rear that is formed on handle portion 316, and locates to comprise yoke 332 in the top, and it is pivotable attached that it allows upper panel parts 308 to carry out with it.Upper panel parts 308 further comprise lever segment 324, its near-end from the upper panel parts extends downwards, lever segment has opening 336, and it defines aperture, and described aperture allows the user to watch between upper panel parts 308 and lower panel parts 312 by the yoke 332 of slide unit 320.The bottom of lever segment 324 comprises projection 340, it has interior groove 344, interior groove 344 and bending part 348 engagements that extend back from slide unit 320, the described parts that extend back are flexible, and have one group of hook tooth 352 along its lower surface, thereby allow upper panel parts 308 to carry out optionally hinged with respect to lower panel parts 312.

Slide unit 320 further comprises lower tongue 356, and it has single tooth at place, its bottom, described tooth and one group of hook tooth, 358 engagements on the side at rear that are provided near the bottom of handle portion 316.But tongue 356 contrary flexure, so that described tooth is from 358 releases of described group of tooth, so that allow upper panel parts 308 vertically to adjust with respect to lower panel parts 312.Provide in the 3rd, 716, No. 047 United States Patent (USP) about the design of disposable sight glass 304 and hinged further details, described United States Patent (USP) before was incorporated herein by reference in full.

Under this background, now discuss illuminating assembly 306 according to this specific embodiment.Still arrive Figure 31 referring to Figure 28, illuminating assembly 306 comprises light source shell 360, and itself and 364 one-tenth concurrency relations of battery case are settled, and each in the described shell is supported by base part 372.The size of light source shell 360 is adapted to fit in the receiving compartment 317 of handle portion 316 of disposable sight glass 304, and the profile of battery case 364 is suitable for cooperating with proximity relations with respect to the outside of handle portion 316, and battery case presents parallel orientation with it.As shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31, aspect the location, battery case 364 can be provided at handle portion 316 fronts or back.

The size of battery case 364 is suitable for keeping the battery (not shown) of at least one lithium ion or other form, thereby allows in bolt system not or be connected under the situation of outside (for example AC) power supply, uses illuminating assembly 306.Rotatable switch 368 is positioned at the place, top of battery case 364, and switch is electrically connected to the contact of battery and the light source that is contained, to allow the energising of the light source that is contained (for example white light LEDs) in the light source shell 360.Vertical metal tube influence of moving is electrically connected when rotary switch 368, moves both vertically to impel hard contact in the described pipe contact shell 364.Perhaps, other switch can use with this embodiment of illuminating assembly 360.For instance, can use the switch of type shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, described switch has following advantage: enable automatically when illuminating assembly 306 is inserted in the receiving compartment 317 of handle portion 316 (by to lower slider), and forbidding (upwards sliding into the home position under by the effect of the spring in shell 364) automatically when receiving compartment 317 is removed.

According to this embodiment, light source is preferably about the far-end of light source shell 360 and settle, thereby make light source can with previous described identical mode, light guide 254 (Figure 27) coupling with the far-end of the receiving compartment 317 of handle portion 316, described light guide preferably has fan-shaped, curved or the luminous end far away 258 of setting otherwise, and as discussed previously and Figure 25 is to shown in Figure 27.

Fig. 1 is to the feature list of Figure 34

100 vaginal speculum apparatus

102 disposable sight glass

104 times or bottom flaps parts

On 108 or the top tab parts

112 slide units

116 flute profile far-end fins

120 handle portions

The flexible protuberance in 123 rears

124 fork-shapeds upper end or yoke

125 hook tooths

128 lever segments

129 tongues

130 hook tooths

131 teeth

133 receiving compartments

134 grooves

135 watch the hole

136 crossed strip shape projections

137 projections

139 interior grooves

140 illuminating assemblies have rope

The 140A illuminating assembly has rope

The 140B illuminating assembly has rope

144 shells, illuminating assembly

The 144A shell, illuminating assembly

The 144B shell, illuminating assembly

146 photoconductive tubes

147 luminous ends far away

148 end parts

The 148A distal portions

The 148B distal portions

152 Stress Release connectors

156 cables

160 switch assemblies

163 can press and touch the button

164 cables

168 pronged plugs

172 sockets

174 cables

176 mains transformer

200 vaginal speculum apparatus

204 disposable sight glass

On 212 or the top tab parts

214 times or bottom flaps parts

215 elongated portions or fin

216 handle portions

The 216A handle portion

217 receiving compartments

The 217A receiving compartment

220 slide units

221 openings

222 external teeth

223 guide grooves

224 lever segments

225 flexible protuberances

226 hook tooths

227 bottom projections

228 yokes or top

229 lower tongue

230 illuminating assemblies

232 LED

235 upper surfaces

236 shells

The extension that 238 tubulated ends are open

240 circuit boards

241 spacer tubes

242 batteries

243 conductive contacts

244 fin

245 tops

246 inner finger pieces placed in the middle

247 short circuits/overcurrent protection

248 slide switches

249 guide rails

250 rail-like parts

The 250A track

251 led drivers

253 protuberances

254 light guides

255 near-ends

256 ribs, the vertical extension

258 far-ends

259 lens

260 base parts

261 pins, latch

262 collecting lenses

263 flat springs

264 bearing parts

265 annular gaps

266 sheath components

268 projections

270 easily separated tear tapes

272 recesses

The chamber of 276 band inwalls

280 projections

281 sight glass adapters

282 outer envelope

283 inner big envelopes

284 plungers are loaded with spring

285 guide rails

286 charging contacts

287 lower surfaces

288 power adapters

289 clamping recesses

290 bus parts

291 plug-in type ropes

292 lower ends

293 cables

294 switch contacts

295 low battery indicator

296 transformators

297 jacks

298 power adapters

299 pins

300 vaginal speculum apparatus

304 disposable sight glass

306 illuminating assemblies

On 308 or the top tab parts

312 times or bottom flaps parts

316 handle portions

317 receiving compartments

320 slide units

324 lever segments

332 yokes

336 openings

340 projections

344 interior grooves

348 bending parts

352 hook tooths

356 tongues

358 teeth, ratchet

360 light source shells

364 battery cases

368 rotatable switches

372 base parts

378 equipment

380 illuminating assemblies

384 shells

388 times or near-end

392 lens

396 fin

400 circuit

404 batteries

408 Docking stations

412 charging sockets

1200 vaginal speculum apparatus

1204 disposable sight glass

On 1212 or the top tab parts

1214 lower panel parts

1216 integral type handle portions

1220 slide units

1222 lever segments

1226 yokes or top

1234 jacks

1238 open ends

1242 tops

1246 bottoms

1260 illuminating assemblies

1264 cases or shell, hollow

1268 component prisms

1269 tops

1272 miniature LED

1276 sleeve pipes

1280 batteries

1284 bus parts

1286 collecting lenses

1288 springs

1292 end caps

1304 shells, sleeve pipe

1306 far-ends

1310 reflector caps parts

1314 circuit boards

1318 circuit

1322 openings

1326 jags

1327 axial notches

1329 electric contacts

1330 fin

1331 electric contacts

1333 sleeve pipe lining rings

Article 1334, parts

1335 battery contact plates

1336 openings

1337 rivets

1338 tapered portion

The hole of 1339 cuttings

1600 vaginal speculum apparatus

1608 illuminating assemblies

1612 shells

1614 light sources

1616 collecting lenses

1620 light guides

1624 disposable shield sleeve molectrons

1628 reel parts

1632 sheaths

1700 vaginal speculum apparatus

1708 illuminating assemblies

1712 shells

1716 light sources

1720 lead-in wires

1724 inclusion enclaves

1725 dividing plates/wall

Should understand easily that the those skilled in the art may make other change and modification, think these changes and repairing Change in the invention scope as herein described. For instance, although each in the previous embodiment is described specific battery Relation but can be in desired extent and extension according to appended claims, other configuration that use can electrical interconnection and Directed. Although each in addition and among the described embodiment directly with to have a sight glass that seals receiving compartment relevant, can expect, Embodiment as herein described also can (for example) use with the sight glass with handle portion that perforated wall is arranged. In addition, close The illuminating assembly of each discussion in described embodiment can be disposable pattern or (as by the some embodiment of this paper Describe) be the reusable sub-assembly that can be attached to disposable sight glass.

Claims (95)

1. illuminating assembly that uses with vaginal speculum, described illuminating assembly comprises:

Shell;

Light source, it is included in the described shell; And

Be used to admit the member of at least one battery that the described light source that contains is powered, at least a portion of described illuminating assembly is in adjusting the receiving compartment with the handle portion that is engaged in vaginal speculum.

2. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one LED.

3. illuminating assembly according to claim 2, wherein said at least one LED comprises white light LEDs.

4. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one electric filament lamp.

5. illuminating assembly according to claim 1 wherein provides the described member that is used to admit described at least one battery in described shell.

6. illuminating assembly according to claim 5, wherein said at least one battery is rechargeable.

7. illuminating assembly according to claim 6, it comprises one group of charging contact on the basal surface that is placed in described shell.

8. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said being used to admits the member electrical connection of described at least one battery and is mechanically connected to described shell.

9. illuminating assembly according to claim 8 wherein saidly is used to admit the member of described at least one battery to comprise power adapters, and a terminal tool of the bulk end of described power adapters is attached and electricly be attached to described shell.

10. illuminating assembly according to claim 8 wherein saidly is used to admit the member of described at least one battery to comprise power adapters, and described power adapters is tied to described shell by the cable bolt.

11. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises switching mechanism, and described switching mechanism is used for optionally making described light source energising.

12. illuminating assembly according to claim 11, wherein said switching mechanism comprises switch block, and the part of described switch block is formed on the outside of described shell.

13. illuminating assembly according to claim 12 wherein is biased in described switch block in the open position.

14. illuminating assembly according to claim 12, wherein said switch block can be locked by user selection ground.

15. illuminating assembly according to claim 14, wherein said switching mechanism comprises latch, and when described switch block moved to latched position, described latch was engaged.

16. illuminating assembly according to claim 6, it comprises low battery electric quantity indicator.

17. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises the sight glass adapter that can be attached to described shell, and described sight glass adapter comprises: outer envelope, and it cooperates substantially closely through adjusting to be placed to the inside formation of receiving compartment; And inner big envelope, it is configured to allow described shell and its engagement.

18. illuminating assembly according to claim 17, wherein said sight glass adapter are configured to admit described shell at least one of the main shaft that centers on described illuminating assembly or an above spin orientation.

19. illuminating assembly according to claim 17, at least a portion of wherein said sight glass adapter contains phase-change material.

20. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said shell comprises base part.

21. illuminating assembly according to claim 20, it comprises battery case and light source shell, and each in described battery case and the described light source shell is placed on the described base part with parallel relation.

22. illuminating assembly according to claim 20, wherein said base part has cross section unanimous on the whole, it is greater than the cross section of the remainder of described molectron shell, and described base part is configured to extend from it when being attached to the receiving compartment of sight glass.

23. illuminating assembly according to claim 22, the length of wherein said base part are about 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches.

24. illuminating assembly according to claim 22, it comprises the flexible shroud parts that can be attached to described base part.

25. illuminating assembly according to claim 24, wherein said sheath component snugly mesh with described base part substantially.

26. illuminating assembly according to claim 24, it comprises easily separated tear tape, and described easily separated tear tape makes can optionally discharge described sheath component from described base part.

27. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises the member of the heat that produced by described molectron of being used to dissipate.

28. illuminating assembly according to claim 27, wherein said shell to small part contains phase-change material.

29. illuminating assembly according to claim 27, it comprises the fin that is placed in the described shell.

30. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises at least one lens, and described lens are settled about described light source with the illumination of guiding from described illuminating assembly.

31. illuminating assembly according to claim 30, wherein said at least one lens are configured to allow described light source and described sight glass optical coupled.

32. illuminating assembly according to claim 12, wherein said illuminating assembly can be used as examinating light independently.

33. illuminating assembly according to claim 32, wherein said switch block can be locked by user selection ground.

34. illuminating assembly according to claim 33, wherein said switching mechanism comprises latch, and when described switch block moved to latched position, described latch was engaged.

35. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises be configured to make at least one feature that can keep in the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum.

36. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said molectron switch on described light source when being configured in described shell inserts the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum at least one preset distance automatically.

37. illuminating assembly according to claim 36, wherein said molectron are configured to along described illuminating assembly at least one or above spin orientation around the main shaft of described receiving compartment in receiving compartment described light source be switched on automatically.

38. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 37, wherein said molectron is configured to be placed on first spin orientation and second spin orientation, apart 180 degree of each described spin orientation.

39. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises and is used to member that described light source and accessory power supply are optionally interconnected.

40. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 39, wherein said accessory power supply is a compact power.

41. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 39, wherein said accessory power supply is non-compact power.

42. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises the member of the uniformity that is used to adjust the lighting point that is produced by described light source.

43. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises the member that is used to adjust the illumination output that is produced by described light source.

44. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 43, at least one optical element that member comprises the upper end that is placed in described shell is adjusted in wherein said illumination output.

45. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 44, wherein said at least one optical element comprises the component prism that is used to guide from the light of described light source, described shell can move axially in the receiving compartment of sight glass.

46. illuminating assembly according to claim 1, it comprises the member that is used to adjust by the color of the illumination of described light emitted.

47. illuminating assembly according to claim 22, the size of the cross section of the remainder of wherein said shell are suitable for providing the cardinal principle with vaginal speculum receiving compartment inside to contact cooperation closely.

48. an illuminating assembly that uses with vaginal speculum, described molectron comprises:

Shell; And

At least one LED, it is included in the described molectron shell, and at least a portion of described shell is in adjusting the receiving compartment with the handle portion that is positioned at vaginal speculum.

49. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one LED is by at least one battery powered.

50. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one LED is powered by AC power supplies.

51. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one LED comprises white light LEDs.

52. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 49, it comprises the member that is used to admit described at least one battery.

53., wherein in described shell, provide the described member that is used to admit described at least one battery according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 52.

54., wherein saidly be used to admit the member mechanical connection of described at least one battery and be electrically connected to described shell according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 52.

55. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 54, wherein saidly be used to admit the member of described at least one battery to comprise power adapters, a terminal tool of the main body of described power adapters is attached and electricly be attached to described shell.

56. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 54, wherein saidly be used to admit the member of described at least one battery to comprise power adapters, described power adapters is tied to described shell by the cable bolt.

57. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises switching mechanism, described switching mechanism is used to make described at least one LED optionally to switch on.

58. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 57, wherein said switching mechanism comprises switch block, the part of described switch block is formed on the outside of described molectron shell.

59., wherein described switch block is biased in the open position according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 58.

60. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 59, wherein said switch block can by to its manual operation and optionally move to latched position.

61. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 60, wherein said switching mechanism comprises latch, when described parts moved in the described latched position, described latch meshed described switch block.

62. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises the member of the heat that produced by described molectron of being used to dissipate.

63. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 62, wherein said heat dissipation member comprises the fin that is placed in the described shell.

64. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 62, at least a portion of wherein said shell contains phase-change material.

65. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 50, wherein said shell bolt is tied to described AC power supplies.

66. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one LED has the output of 1 watt and minimum 20 lumens/watt, and has at least 1,000 hour the shortest service life.

67. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 49, wherein said at least one battery is rechargeable.

68. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 67, it comprises low battery electric quantity indicator.

69. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 67, it comprises a plurality of chargings contact on the basal surface that is placed in described shell.

70. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises the sight glass adapter that can be attached to described shell, described sight glass adapter comprises: outer envelope, and its cardinal principle that is configured to keep with sight glass receiving compartment inside contacts cooperation closely; And inner big envelope, it is configured to admit therein described shell.

71. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 70, the described inner big envelope of wherein said sight glass adapter allows described shell to be engaged at least one or above spin orientation of the main shaft of described illuminating assembly.

72. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 71, wherein said sight glass adapter is admitted described shell on first spin orientation and second spin orientation, apart 180 degree of each in described first and second spin orientations.

73. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, wherein said molectron comprises base part.

74. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 73, it comprises battery case and light source shell, in described battery case and the described light source shell each is placed on the described base part with parallel relation, and is placed in the same side of described base part.

75. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 73, wherein said base part has cross section unanimous on the whole, it is greater than the cross section of the remainder of described molectron shell, and described base part is configured to extend from it when being attached to the receiving compartment of sight glass.

76. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 75, the length of wherein said base part is about 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches.

77. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 75, it comprises the flexible shroud parts that can be attached to described base part.

78. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 77, wherein said sheath component can mesh hermetically with described base part.

79. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 77, it comprises easily separated tear tape, described easily separated tear tape makes can optionally discharge described sheath component from described base part.

80. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises at least one lens, described lens are settled about described light source with the illumination of guiding from described illuminating assembly.

81. 0 described illuminating assembly according to Claim 8, wherein said at least one lens are configured to allow described light source and described sight glass optical coupled.

82. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 58, wherein said illuminating assembly can be used as examinating light independently.

83. 2 described illuminating assemblies according to Claim 8, wherein said switch block can by to its manual operation and optionally move to latched position.

84. 3 described illuminating assemblies according to Claim 8, wherein said switching mechanism comprises latch, when described switch block moves in the described latched position, and described latch and the engagement of described parts.

85. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises be configured to make at least one feature that can keep in the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum.

86., when wherein said illuminating assembly is configured in described shell inserts the receiving compartment of vaginal speculum at least one preset distance, described light source is switched on automatically according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48.

87. 6 described illuminating assemblies according to Claim 8, wherein said illuminating assembly are configured to along described illuminating assembly at least one or above spin orientation around the main shaft of described illuminating assembly in described receiving compartment described light source be switched on automatically.

88. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 49, it comprises and is used to member that described at least one LED and accessory power supply are optionally interconnected.

89. 8 described illuminating assemblies according to Claim 8, wherein said accessory power supply comprises compact power.

90. 8 described illuminating assemblies according to Claim 8, wherein said accessory power supply comprises non-compact power.

91. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises the member that is used to adjust the luminous point size that is produced by described at least one LED.

92. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises the member that is used to adjust the illumination output that is produced by described at least one LED.

93. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 92, at least one optical element that member comprises the upper end that is placed in described shell is adjusted in wherein said illumination output.

94. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 93, wherein said at least one optical element comprises the component prism that is used to guide from the light of described at least one LED, described shell can move in the receiving compartment of sight glass.

95. according to the described illuminating assembly of claim 48, it comprises the member that is used to adjust by the color of the illumination of described at least one LED emission.

Images