×

Fluid insensitive braking for an endoscope

  • US 5,464,007 A
  • Filed: 02/23/1994
  • Issued: 11/07/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/23/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A steering mechanism for a flexible insertion tube of an endoscope having an articulation section at its distal end and deflection cable means extending from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, said steering mechanism comprising;

  • a control housing operatively connected to the proximal end of said insertion tube;

    a control wheel mounted for rotation on the exterior of said control housing;

    connecting means for coupling said control wheel to a deflection cable for articulating the distal end of said insertion tube;

    brake means movably mounted adjacent to said control wheel;

    actuating means for moving the brake means between a first position wherein the brake means is out of engagement with said control wheel and a second position wherein said brake means is in braking engagement with said control wheelcoacting means in the control wheel and the brake means for rotationally incrementing said control wheel when the brake means is in said second position, andbiasing means for applying force against the brake means when said brake means is in said second position for applying a holding force against the control wheel.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×