Articulation joint
First Claim
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1. An articulation joint for a medical device, comprising:
- a plurality of links, each link including;
a radially inner surface defining a central lumen,a first end section, anda second end section opposite the first end section, wherein the second end section includes a substantially convex surface; and
a plurality of springs coupling a link to an adjacent link, wherein the plurality of springs are positioned within at least one of the central lumen of the link and the central lumen of the adjacent link, and each spring includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the spring is positioned on the link and the second terminal end of the spring is positioned on the adjacent link, and each spring is fixedly secured to the radially inner surface of the link and the radially inner surface of the adjacent link.
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Abstract
A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An articulation joint for a medical device, comprising:
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a plurality of links, each link including; a radially inner surface defining a central lumen, a first end section, and a second end section opposite the first end section, wherein the second end section includes a substantially convex surface; and a plurality of springs coupling a link to an adjacent link, wherein the plurality of springs are positioned within at least one of the central lumen of the link and the central lumen of the adjacent link, and each spring includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the spring is positioned on the link and the second terminal end of the spring is positioned on the adjacent link, and each spring is fixedly secured to the radially inner surface of the link and the radially inner surface of the adjacent link. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An articulation joint for a medical device, comprising:
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a plurality of links, each link including; a radially inner surface defining a central lumen, a first end section, and a second end section opposite the first end section, wherein the second end section includes a substantially convex surface; and a first plurality of springs coupling a link to a first adjacent link, wherein each of the first plurality of springs extends partially through the central lumen of the link and the central lumen of the first adjacent link, and is fixedly secured to the radially inner surface of the link and the radially inner surface of the first adjacent link. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An articulation joint for a medical device, comprising:
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a plurality of links, each link including; a radially inner surface defining a central lumen, a first end section, and a second end section opposite the first end section, wherein the second end section includes a substantially convex surface; a first plurality of springs coupling a link to a first adjacent link; and a second plurality of springs coupling the link to a second adjacent link; wherein the second end section of the link faces the second end section of the first adjacent link, and the first end section of the link faces the first end section of the second adjacent link; wherein each of the first plurality of springs includes a first terminal end positioned within the central lumen of the link and fixedly secured on the radially inner surface of the link, and a second terminal end positioned within the central lumen of the first adjacent link and fixedly secured on the radially inner surface of the first adjacent link, and each of the second plurality of springs includes a first terminal end position within the central lumen of the link and fixedly secured on the radially inner surface of the link, and a second terminal end positioned within the central lumen of the second adjacent link and fixedly secured on the radially inner surface of the second adjacent link. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification