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Endoscope articulation system to reduce effort during articulation of an endoscope

  • US 5,626,553 A
  • Filed: 04/29/1996
  • Issued: 05/06/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An endoscope, comprising:

  • a handle;

    an insertion tube having a proximal section attached to said handle and having a distal section opposite said proximal section, said distal section being articulatable relative to said proximal section;

    a control cable attached to said distal section of said insertion tube, said control cable being axially movable relative to said insertion tube, said distal section of said insertion tube being articulated upon axial movement of said control cable;

    a control member attached to said handle and positioned for movement by a user relative to said handle; and

    at mechanical advantage coupler connected to said control member and to said control cable, said mechanical advantage coupler including a lever and a connecting cable, a first portion of said lever being connected to said handle and a second portion of said lever being connected to said control cable, and said connecting cable having a first end connected to said lever and a second end connected to said control member, said mechanical advantage coupler providing a mechanical advantage between said movement of said control member and axial movement of said control cable.

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