Apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of endoscopes

摘要

In an apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of fiber optic endoscopes, a frame defines a carrier support, and an upstanding arm support mounted rearwardly of and adjacent to the carrier support. A plurality of targets are supported on a carrier movable along the carrier support, and an angularly adjustable mounting arm for supporting an endoscope is pivotally coupled to the arm support for movement relative to the plurality of targets supported on the carrier. A bracket is supported on the mounting arm and is adjustable in an axial direction of the mounting arm to accommodate endoscopes of different lengths. A plurality of endoscope holders are each receivable within the bracket on the mounting arm and each holder defines a different diameter corresponding to a respective endoscope for holding endoscopes of different configurations. Each of the targets supported on the carrier is configured to perform a different test for evaluating the performance characteristics of both the lens and fiber optic wires of the endoscope. The tests include a reflective loss in fibers test; a reflective symmetry test; a lighted optic fibers test; a geometric distortion test; and a modulation transfer function test.