Detachable connector assembly for use with video camera equipped medical instruments
First Claim
1. A connector assembly for a video camera head having a threaded outlet opening that includes an internal retaining shoulder, a video output connector having a circumferential flange, a key structure and a plurality of output pins connected to a video imaging device, including, in combination:
- a U-shaped spacer shaped to engage said key structure and flange and to seat on said retaining shoulder;
a retaining collar adapted to thread into said outlet opening and secure said spacer and said connector in place with respect to the imaging head;
whereby an external cable may be attached to and detached from said video output connector without subjecting the connections between said pins and said imaging device to forces high enough to damage said connections.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A video camera head for use with medical diagnostic instrumemts. A connector assembly, positioned at the outlet of the housing of the camera head, allows a video cable including a multi-conductor tightenable connector to be attached to and detached from the fragile internal wiring of the camera head without applying destructively high forces thereto. A mounting assembly, positioned at the inlet of the housing of the camera head, enclose and protects a video imaging chip while securely mounting the same in a predetermined position and orientation within the housing of the camera head.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A connector assembly for a video camera head having a threaded outlet opening that includes an internal retaining shoulder, a video output connector having a circumferential flange, a key structure and a plurality of output pins connected to a video imaging device, including, in combination:
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a U-shaped spacer shaped to engage said key structure and flange and to seat on said retaining shoulder; a retaining collar adapted to thread into said outlet opening and secure said spacer and said connector in place with respect to the imaging head; whereby an external cable may be attached to and detached from said video output connector without subjecting the connections between said pins and said imaging device to forces high enough to damage said connections. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10)
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7. A video camera head including a housing, a video imaging device supported within said housing, a video connector having a plurality of output pins and a multi-conductor cable for connecting said imaging device to said output pins;
- said video connector being of the type including a connector shell having a circumferentially disposed flange and a radially disposed key structure;
said housing including a threaded opening through which said connector shell may project, and a retaining shoulder, characterized by;a generally U-shaped spacer adapted to fit over said shell and to engage said key structure and said flange; a threaded retaining collar adapted to threadedly engage said threaded opening while pressing said flange and spacer against said shoulder; whereby a video cable connector may be threadedly secured to said connector shell without damaging the connections between said multi-conductor cable and said output pins. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 11, 12)
- said video connector being of the type including a connector shell having a circumferentially disposed flange and a radially disposed key structure;
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13. A video camera head having a housing defining an inlet opening including, in combination:
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a video imaging chip for receiving an optical image and converting said image to an electrical signal; first and second mounting members for mounting and enclosing said imaging chip; positioning means, formed in at least one of said mounting members and said housing, for positioning said imaging chip in a predetermined position within said housing. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A video camera head defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening including, in combination:
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a video imaging chip for receiving an optical image and converting said image to a video signal; a multi-conductor tightenable connector plug, said plug having a circumferential flange and a key structure; a multi-conductor cable for transmitting electrical signals including said video signal between said chip and said connector plug; first and second mounting members for mounting and enclosing said imaging chip; positioning means, formed in at least one of said mounting members and said inlet opening, for positioning said imaging chip in a predetermined position within said housing; a retaining shoulder formed in said outlet opening; a U-shaped spacer shaped to engage said key structure and to seat on said retaining shoulder; and a retaining collar adapted to thread into said outlet opening and secure said spacer and said connector plug in place with respect to said housing. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification