Patent ID: 6390972
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A video camera head adapted for coupling to a remote camera control unit through a cable having a shield, and also adapted for coupling to an endoscope, comprising:at least on imager; imager electronics coupled to said at least one imager; a rigid plastic non-conductive outer housing; an inner chamber within said outer housing having a conductive portion which substantially encloses said at least one imager and imager electronics; a first element for electrically coupling one end of a signal line in the cable to said imager electronics; an optical element carried by said housing, and situated along an optical path extending through said housing and said inner chamber to said at least one imager; a second element for electrically coupling the cable shield to said conductive portion of said inner chamber; and a first seal located near the optical element and the housing and a second seal located near the cable and the housing to seal any gaps in these respective areas such that said conductive portion of said inner chamber is substantially isolated from electrical contact with a human or a conductive fluid.