UNIFIED ELECTRICAL AND ILLUMINATION CABLE FOR ENDOSCOPIC VIDEO IMAGING SYSTEM

• US 20030133011A1
• Filed: 03/27/2003
• Published: 07/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc (Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg)
• Original Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc (Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg)
• Inventors: Amling, Marc R., Chatenever, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,128,558 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/141
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00119 Tubes or pipes in or with an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00124 electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00126 optical, e.g. for light supply cables
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/045 Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4298 coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers

Abstract

Abstract of Disclosure

A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

Claims

1. A video imaging connection system comprising:

a receptacle, having optical and electrical components, for receiving a connector; and

a connector detachably connectable with the receptacle, having a body with a front surface, a light source guide and an electrical edge-connector terminating beyond the front surface, the light source guide and electrical edge-connector engaging the optical and electrical components, respectively, upon advancement of the connector into the receptacle.

2. The video imaging system connector according to claim 1 wherein the electrical edge-connector is a printed wiring board.

3. The video imaging system connector according to claim 2 wherein the electrical edge-connector is keyed for connection to the receptacle.

4. The video imaging system connector according to claim 1 wherein the body is keyed for connection to the receptacle.

5. The video imaging system connector according to claim 1 further comprising a light deflector, which obstructs a path between said connector and said receptacle once the connector is removed from the receptacle.