Patent ID: 7387605
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A rotatable coupler for coupling a camera to an optical assembly comprising: a proximal camera attachment means for fixedly securing the coupler to a camera; a distal optical assembly attachment means for fixedly securing the coupler to an optical assembly; a selectively rotatable coupling means interposed between said camera attachment means and said optical assembly attachment means, said coupling means comprising: a first annular member having a plurality of radially inwardly directed slots, said first annular member fixedly connected to said optical assembly attachment means; a second annular member fixedly secured to said camera attachment means; ball bearing means interposed between said first and second annular members for permitting relative rotation therebetween; and locking means associated with said coupling means and adapted to selectively engage at least one of said slots to selectively lock or unlock said first annular member to said second annular member.