Patent ID: 7588536
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A control mechanism for an endoscope having a handle, and a flexible shaft extending from the handle and having a distal or operative end which is inserted into a body through a body cavity, the distal end of the shaft including an image receiving sensor, the control mechanism comprising: a frame; first and second movement transmission devices for causing adjustment of a distal end of the flexible shaft; a first control knob; a first rotatable pinion shaft rotatably mounted on said frame and fixed to said first control knob, said first pinion shaft engaging with said first movement transmission device such that upon rotation of said first control knob, said first pinion shaft rotates and said first movement transmission device is actuated; a second control knob rotatable independent of said first control knob; a second rotatable pinion shaft fixed to said second control knob and coaxial with said first pinion shaft, said second pinion shaft engaging with said second movement transmission device such that upon rotation of said second control knob, said second pinion shaft rotates and said second movement transmission device is actuated; an intermediate shaft arranged at least partially inside of said second pinion shaft and at least partially around said first pinion shaft, said intermediate shaft being arranged to reduce transmission of torque between said first and second pinion shafts such that rotation of one of said first and second pinion shafts does not cause rotation of the other of said first and second pinion shafts, said intermediate shaft being axially unrestrained such that movement of said intermediate shaft in an axial direction is possible; first ball bearings arranged between said intermediate shaft and one of said first and second pinion shafts for enabling rotation of said one of said first and second pinion shafts relative to said intermediate shaft.