Torque override knob for endoscopes, borescopes, or guide tubes
First Claim
1. A hand-rotated knob drive for rotating a shaft-driven device comprising:
- a hand-rotatable knob;
a drive stem on which said knob is mounted; and
torque override means coupling said knob and said drive stem for;
(i) engaging the knob and the stem to enable said knob and stem to rotate as a unit until a predetermined torque is exceeded;
(ii) disengaging the knob from the stem to enable the knob to slip with respect to the stem after said predetermined torque has been exceeded; and
(iii) re-engaging the knob to the stem after the knob and stem have been disengaged when a predetermined rotational alignment has been established therebetween.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A manually rotated knob drive mechanism incorporates a torque override feature. If the knob turning force exceeds a predetermined torque limit the feature permits slippage between the knob and the associated stem or drive shaft. The knob can continue to rotate, under slippage, until the knob and stem are aligned at a predetermined mutual orientation, or home position. This occurs at only one home position. The torque override feature is formed of an insert molded into the knob, and having a bore in which there is an annular shoulder. A hub member fits into the insert and has an annular surface that faces the insert shoulder. The hub member attaches to the stem or shaft and a spring yieldably urges the hub member against the insert. There are protuberances on the insert shoulder and corresponding grooves or recesses on the hub member annular surface, which coincide with one another only at the home position. The knob drive can be employed on the steering control handle of a borescope, endoscope or guide tube.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A hand-rotated knob drive for rotating a shaft-driven device comprising:
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a hand-rotatable knob; a drive stem on which said knob is mounted; and
torque override means coupling said knob and said drive stem for;(i) engaging the knob and the stem to enable said knob and stem to rotate as a unit until a predetermined torque is exceeded; (ii) disengaging the knob from the stem to enable the knob to slip with respect to the stem after said predetermined torque has been exceeded; and (iii) re-engaging the knob to the stem after the knob and stem have been disengaged when a predetermined rotational alignment has been established therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A control handle for a steerable probe or guide tube, comprising:
- a housing, shaft-driven means within the housing for effecting articulation of said probe or guide tube, and a hand-rotated knob drive for rotating said shaft-driven means, said knob drive including;
a hand-rotatable knob; a drive stem on which said knob is mounted; and torque override means coupling said knob and said drive stem for; (i) engaging the knob and stem to rotate as a unit until a predetermined torque is exceeded; (ii) disengaging the knob from the stem to enable said knob to slip with respect to said stem after said predetermined torque has been exceeded; and (iii) re-engaging the knob to the stem after the knob and stem have been disengaged when a predetermined rotational alignment has been established therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
- a housing, shaft-driven means within the housing for effecting articulation of said probe or guide tube, and a hand-rotated knob drive for rotating said shaft-driven means, said knob drive including;
Specification