Articulation joint for video endoscope

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.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . An articulating joint for use in a medical device, comprising:
 a plurality of discs, each disc including:
 an annular ring; 
 a first plurality of cams extending from the annular ring in a first direction; and 
 a second plurality of cams extending from the annular ring in a second direction opposite to the first direction; 
   wherein the plurality of discs are stacked such that:
 the first plurality of cams of a given disc engage the annular ring of a first adjacent disc in the first direction; and 
 the second plurality of cams of the given disc engage the annular ring of a second adjacent disc in the second direction. 
   
     
     
         15 . The articulating joint of  claim 14 , wherein the first plurality of cams are a first pair of cams positioned about 180° apart on the annular ring. 
     
     
         16 . The articulating joint of  claim 15 , wherein the second plurality of cams are a second pair of cams positioned about 180° apart on the annular ring. 
     
     
         17 . The articulating joint of  claim 14 , wherein the first plurality of first cams are offset about 90° from the second plurality of cams. 
     
     
         18 . The articulating joint of  claim 14 , further including a first plurality of openings, each of the first plurality of openings extending through both the annular ring and one of the first plurality of cams. 
     
     
         19 . The articulating joint of  claim 18 , further including a second plurality of openings, each of the second plurality of openings extending through both the annular ring and one of the second plurality of cams. 
     
     
         20 . The articulating joint of  claim 18 , further including a first wire extending through each of the plurality of discs, wherein the first wire extends through corresponding first openings of adjacent discs. 
     
     
         21 . The articulating joint of  claim 20 , further including a second wire extending through each of the plurality of discs, wherein the second wire extends through corresponding second openings of adjacent discs. 
     
     
         22 . An articulating joint for use in a medical device, comprising:
 a plurality of discs, each disc including:
 a central lumen extending between a first surface and a second surface; 
 a first pair of flat sections defined by the first surface; 
 a first pair of sloped sections defined by the first surface and angled toward the second surface; 
 a second pair of flat sections defined by the second surface, wherein the second pair of flat sections are positioned approximately 90° from the first pair of flat sections; and 
 a second pair of sloped sections defined by the second surface and angled toward the first surface. 
   
     
     
         23 . The articulating joint of  claim 22 , wherein:
 the first pair of flat sections extend along a first axis; and   the first pair of sloped sections are angled at an acute angle with respect to the first axis.   
     
     
         24 . The articulating joint of  claim 23 , wherein:
 the second pair of flat sections extend along a second axis; and   the second pair of sloped sections are angled at an acute angle with respect to the second axis.   
     
     
         25 . The articulating joint of  claim 22 , wherein adjacent discs of the plurality of discs are coupled with each other at respective first or second pairs of flat sections. 
     
     
         26 . The articulating joint of  claim 22 , wherein adjacent discs of the plurality of discs are oriented substantially orthogonally to each other. 
     
     
         27 . The articulating joint of  claim 22 , further including a first plurality of openings, each of the first plurality of openings extending from one of the first pair of flat sections toward the second surface. 
     
     
         28 . The articulating joint of  claim 27 , further including a second plurality of openings, each of the second plurality of openings extending from one of the second pair of flat sections toward the first surface.