Patent ID: 7713189
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A video endoscope comprising a tube fitted at its distal end with an affixed distal portion of an objective lens, further comprising a video camera mounted behind the distal objective lens portion in the tube, said camera together with a rotation element constituting a swivel unit having a distal end zone in which the video camera is located and a proximal end zone, said swivel unit distal end zone being supported by a distal swivel bearing close to the video camera and said swivel unit proximal end zone being supported by a proximal swivel bearing, the swivel unit being rotationally adjustable relative the tube by a swivel drive system, wherein the distal swivel bearing limits axial movement of the distal end zone of the swivel unit in both the distal and the proximal directions relative to the tube and wherein the proximal swivel bearing permits axial movement of the proximal end zone of the swivel unit in both the distal and the proximal directions relative to the tube, wherein the distal swivel bearing comprises a ceramic ring that is affixed to the tube and runs in an external groove of a camera case to which are affixed both the video camera and the rotation element.