Adaptive Endoscopy Systems for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857163_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Endoscopy Systems for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857163_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857163_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,163.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts the swinging elevator endoscope for specific, high-stakes environments, such as disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue, and high-contamination areas.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's swinging elevator endoscope, while effective, has limitations in its applicability to unique operational environments. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating specialized features to ensure the endoscope's functionality and reliability in high-demand scenarios.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adaptive endoscopy system comprises a swinging elevator endoscope with modifications tailored to specific environments. For disaster relief, the elevator is designed to withstand high-impact forces. For high-security, the system encrypts video and ultrasonic signals. For extreme weather conditions, the housing is weather-resistant and can withstand temperatures below -20°C and above 40°C. For search and rescue, the kit is portable and ruggedized. For high-contamination environments, the endoscope is sterile, disposable, and includes a self-contained power source.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the swinging elevator endoscope, enabling its use in previously inaccessible environments. The inventive step lies in the combination of specialized features, which provide a unique solution for each niche market.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include adjusting the elevator's material properties, incorporating sensors for environmental monitoring, or integrating artificial intelligence for enhanced image analysis. Variations may also involve adapting the endoscope for use in other specialized environments, such as space exploration or underwater operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive endoscopy system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, security, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Target markets include government agencies, hospitals, and private companies operating in high-stakes environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/018
A A61 A61B1/00098
A A61 A61B8/12
G G02 G02B23/24
A A61 A61B1/00131

Field of Art

Medical Imaging and Endoscopic Technologies, encompassing mechanical design of surgical instruments, signal processing, and environmental adaptation of medical diagnostic equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in endoscopic systems, mechanical engineering, signal transmission, and materials science, holding advanced degrees and 5-7 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental swinging elevator mechanism from the source patent provides a versatile platform for environmental adaptations. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of existing endoscopic technology by applying known engineering principles of ruggedization, signal encryption, and environmental resistance to a well-established medical imaging device design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Swinging elevator mechanism for changing instrument protruding direction
PTD Variation
Adapting elevator design to withstand high-impact forces for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and mechanical reinforcement are standard engineering design choices for improving device durability in extreme conditions, representing a predictable solution within a PHOSITA's skill set
Source Patent Element
Endoscope with remote operational capabilities
PTD Variation
Implementing signal encryption for high-security transmission of video and ultrasonic data
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying standard cryptographic techniques to medical imaging signals is a known method for securing sensitive information, representing an obvious technological adaptation
Source Patent Element
Insertion portion with configurable mechanical components
PTD Variation
Creating weather-resistant housing capable of operating across extreme temperature ranges
Obviousness Reasoning
Thermal engineering and material science techniques for expanding operational temperature ranges are well-established design practices in medical and industrial equipment
Source Patent Element
Endoscope with modular design supporting instrument insertion
PTD Variation
Developing a portable, ruggedized kit for search and rescue operations
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization and portability are standard design evolution strategies for medical diagnostic equipment, representing a predictable technological progression
Source Patent Element
Endoscopic system with replaceable components
PTD Variation
Creating a sterile, disposable endoscope for high-contamination environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Single-use medical devices with integrated sterilization are a known solution in medical technology, representing an obvious extension of existing design principles
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857163's disclosure of a swinging elevator endoscope, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed environmental adaptations obvious through standard engineering techniques of material modification, signal processing, and device optimization, thereby establishing these variations as anticipated prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,163
TitleEndoscope having swinging elevator
Assignee(s)HOYA CORPORATION