Abstract:
The present invention is a fiber-optic illuminator with a single or multiple internal turret used for connecting the illuminator with different fiber-optic cables. The internal turret may be incrementally rotated by a handle to present a customized predetermined port for a predetermined fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the light source. Incremental indexing rotation is accomplished through use of a biased bearing mechanism located inside the illuminator. The turret has cooling fins distant from the handle turned by the operator. The turret may carry a tubular lens for internal reflection of the illumination.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to a single or multiple port turret device for use with fiber-optic illuminators, and more specifically for a recessed rotary multiple port turret device for mounting within an illuminator and for operatively connecting to one of a variety of different size headlight or endoscopic fiber-optic cables or cable with differing fiber-optic cable connection mechanisms in order to allow light from the illuminator to pass therethrough. 
     Many surgical applications today use fiber-optic illuminator devices to provide light upon the surgical subject and the surgical area. Particularly, illuminator devices provide the necessary lighting for surgical headlamps and rigid or flexible endoscopes. 
     Traditionally, a manufacturer&#39;s illuminator is designed to be compatible only with that manufacturer&#39;s fiber-optic cable. Other fiber-optic cable designs, exhibiting different thicknesses and shapes cannot fit into the existing port of the manufacturer&#39;s illuminator. Most illuminators cannot accept cables produced by competitors. As a result, hospitals and clinics have often been limited to using illuminators and cables manufactured by the same company. Replacement cables from another company cannot be used unless a corresponding illuminator is on hand. This can present an expensive and inefficient dilemma for the institution. While a rotary turret that attaches to the outside of the illuminator is currently available, such as the inventor&#39;s exterior turret in his U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,302. However, this device requiring mounting a piece on an existing illuminator. The exterior indexing rotary turret also provides less secure connection with the fiber-optic cable, which may create a dangerous situation in the middle of a surgical operation. Moreover, some illuminators may not be built to provide a mounting area for an illuminator. In addition, since the cooling fins on the prior art exterior turret are on the portion of the turret handled by the operator, the operator is in danger of being burned by the turret. 
     Conventional fiber-optic illuminators exhibit a number of problems in addition to the lack of interchangeable parts. For example, the jack or port that accepts the proximal connector of the fiber-optic cable is typically located close to the internal lamp or light source within the illuminator. As a result, the area surrounding the port tends to become very hot and difficult, if not impossible to handle even when not using inventor&#39;s exterior turret. 
     Lack of secure engagement between the fiber-optic proximal connector and the illuminator has also been a problem. During use the cable has a tendency to become loose from the illuminator. This can disrupt the medical or surgical procedure for which the illuminator is being used. Moreover, conventional turrets are often difficult to rotate and require varying degrees of torque. As a result, indexing cannot be performed in an optimally smooth, quick and convenient manner. Another drawback with the existing turrets is that they are difficult to manufacture and install, making them highly expensive. 
     An additional drawback with existing fiber-optic illuminators is that since the port or jack that accepts the fiber-optic cable is mounted upon the outside of the illuminator and often protrudes several inches from the side of the illuminator, the likelihood of damage to the port or jack is increased, due to the movement of the user during surgical or diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, if an external turret is used on a fiber-optic illuminator, then it is awkward, if not impossible, to use a fiber-optic cable that requires the illumination to be manipulated by a tubular lens before entering the cable. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an internal rotary indexing port turret mechanism for use with fiber-optic cable illuminators that accepts one of a variety of different fiber-optic cable designs and sizes and wherein the turret mechanism is mounted within the illuminator thereby eliminating damage that might occur to the turret mechanism if mounted upon the outside of the illuminator. What is also needed is an illuminator that can easily accept fiber-optic cables from several manufacturers without mounting extraneous hardware. What is also needed is a rotary indexing port mechanism that may be turned while minimizing the risk of burning the operator&#39;s hand. 
     It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. 
     However, in view of the prior art in at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a turret for interconnecting a fiber-optic illuminator having a light source and a fiber-optic cable for use within a housing for the fiber-optic illuminator. The indexing rotary turret has a generally cylindrical body portion having a plurality of ports wherein each port is adapted for inter-engagement with a fiber-optic cable. The invention includes means for incrementally rotating and indexing the body portion within the housing of the fiber-optic illuminator so that a particular port is in optical communication with the light source. To cool the turret are one or more cooling fins located around each turret port, preventing overheating of the turret. 
     The turret has a stand axis and a handle stand axis, and is located within the illuminator between a stand and a front panel of the illuminator. The turret further includes a handle located outside the housing connected to the body portion of the turret at the handle axis. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the indexing rotary turret is incrementally turned using a disk including a plurality of depressions on the back surface located at the back end of the turret body each adapted to receive a resilient biased bearing located within the housing of the fiber-optic illuminator and means for attaching the disk to the rear portion of the turret body. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the means for incrementally rotating the body portion includes a plurality of depressions on the back end of the turret body itself, and each depression is adapted to receive a resilient biased bearing located within the housing of the fiber-optic illuminator. 
     In another alternative embodiment, at least one cooling fin has a cleft, a tubular lens within the cleft and means for securing the tubular lens within the cleft. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the port further includes a spring adapted for linkage to a specific fiber-optic cable. 
     The invention is also an entire fiber-optic illuminator, including a light source, an indexing rotary turret comprising a plurality of ports each with a front end and a back end wherein the front end of each port is specifically adapted for inter-engagement with a fiber-optic cable, a housing that at least partially encloses the light source and the turret body, and means for rotatably mounting the turret within the housing such that a particular port simultaneously is in optical communication with the light source and is accessible from outside the housing. It is preferred that the illuminator also has a handle located outside the housing connected to a front end of the turret. 
     In the illuminator, it is preferred that the rotary indexing turret includes a disk having a plurality of depressions on the back surface located at the rear portion of the turret whereby each depression is adapted to receive a resilient biased bearing within the housing of the fiber-optic illuminator and means for attaching the disk to the rear portion of the turret body. Alternatively, there are a plurality of depressions on the back end of the turret body whereby each depression is adapted to receive a resilient biased bearing located within the housing of the fiber-optic illuminator. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the housing holds a stand for the turret located inside the housing. The stand preferably has a depression, a bearing located in the depression and a resilient spring biasing the bearing into mechanical cooperation with the turret so that the turret is incrementally rotatable. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the invention is a recessed rotary indexing multiple port turret mechanism for mounting within a fiber-optic illumination device, including a turret body adapted for mounting within said fiber-optic illumination device, said turret body comprising a base portion and an elongated portion, said base portion including one or more ports sized to selectively receive and engage an end of one of a multiple of fiber-optic cables, said elongated portion including one or more longitudinal ports disposed there through, said one or more longitudinal ports corresponding to said one or more ports in said base portion, said one or more longitudinal ports sized to receive and engage said one end of said variety of fiber-optic cables, a mount for the turret body inside the illumination device and means for selectively controlling the rotation of said turret body in order to expose one of said turret body ports such that light from said illumination device is directed through a corresponding fiber-optic cable engaged with said exposed port. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the elongated portion further comprises a plurality of cooling fins longitudinally disposed there through. Preferably, in the recessed rotary multiple port turret mechanism each said port is comprised of a predetermined shape. In still another alternative embodiment, each said port is adapted for a different fiber-optic cable. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multiple port mechanism for use inside a fiber-optic illuminator where it can be protected from the elements. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an internal turret that accomplishes improved interconnection between an illuminator and a fiber-optic light source. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide an internal rotary indexing turret for a fiber-optic light source that minimizes the risk of burns to an operator. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an internal rotary indexing turret in which cooling fins are located far from the handle used by an operator. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a fiber-optic illuminator that is capable of interconnecting to several different types of headlights and endoscopic fiber-optic cables without needing additional adapting pieces to be mounted to it. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an internal indexing rotary turret that is relatively easy and economical to manufacture. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an internal turret that may fit a fiber-optic cable that requires an internal tubular lens. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. 
     These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of the turret of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cutaway exploded side view of the invention. 
     FIG. 2A is an exploded rear view of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cutaway front view of the invention. 
     FIG. 3A is an close up sectional view of a portion of the cutaway front view of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 4A is a cutaway side view of an embodiment of a port cavity of the invention. 
     FIG. 4B is a cutaway side view of the turret of the invention. 
     FIG. 4C is a cutaway side view of an alternative embodiment of a port cavity of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5A is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a detail of the inventive illuminator. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the disk of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 7A is a cross section of a detail of the disk of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross section of the disk of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 shows the inventive fiber-optic illuminator generally at  10 . The illuminator comprises a light source  12 . Preferably the light source is a xenon light source, although other sources such as metal halite are known in the art and may be used. It is preferred that the light source  12  emits light that is focused by a lens  16  held by a lens holder  18 . Preferably, the lens holder  18  is attached to the bottom inside surface of the illuminator  10 . The light emitted from the light source  12  may be diffused by a diffuser-screen  20  that is attached to a diffuser stem  22  that is offset from the emissions of the light source  12 . The light enters a cylindrical turret body  24 . Preferably, the turret body  24  is in rotatable contact with a turret stand  60 , and lies between the turret stand  60  and the front wall  72  of the illuminator  10 . 
     The cylindrical turret body  24  is shown in detail in FIGS. 2,  2 A and  6 . Preferably the turret body is made of a rigid material, such as stainless steel or aluminum. The turret body  24  has a front end  26  and a back end  28 . The turret body  24  has a plurality of port cavities  30  on the front end  26 . Each port cavity  30  is in communication with a corresponding light channel  34  on the back end  28  of the turret body  24 . The port cavities  30  and the light channels  34  are located around the central axis of the turret body. The turret body  24  is capable of being incrementally rotated so that a specified port cavity  30  and corresponding light channel  34  is in communication with the light source  12 . In the preferred embodiment, each light channel  34  has a cooling fin  32  surrounding it to help dissipate the heat from the light source  12 . 
     It may be preferred for use with some fiber-optic cables to be used with the illuminator  10  that the light from the light source  12  is magnified, focused or otherwise manipulated before it enters a port cavity  30 . The light channel  34  may further comprise a tubular lens  36  placed within the path of the light emitted by the light source  12 . The tubular lens  36  is preferred to be a cladded fiber-optic rod lens to promote internal reflection of light emitted from the light source. Preferably, to secure the tubular lens  36  within the light channel  34 , the light channel  34  is constructed with a cleft  38  in the cooling fin  23 . After the tubular lens  36  is placed in the light channel  34 , it is secured in place with one or more lens securing screws  40  located in one or more appropriate holes  42  for the securing screws  40  located through the cooling fin  23 . Preferably the securing screws  40  are made from a rigid material such as stainless steel or aluminum. Although three such screws are shown per cleft  38 , more or less securing screws  40  may be used so long as they secure the tubular lens  36  within the light channel  34 . Other equivalent means for securing the tubular lens  36 , either permanently or temporarily, may be used and are well known in the art. 
     It is also preferred that the turret body  24  also comprises a handle axis  46 . Preferably, a recess  44  for the handle axis  46  is formed into the front end  26  of the turret body  24 , and the handle axis  46  is press fit into the recess  44 . However, other methods of having a handle axis  46  on the turret body  24  may be used and are known in the art. In addition, the handle axis  46  may be formed as an intrinsic part of the turret body  24 . 
     It is also preferred that the turret body  24  comprises a stand axis  50  located on the back end  28  of the turret body. Like the handle axis  46 , it is preferred that a recess  48  for the stand axis  48  is formed into the back end  28  of the turret body  24 . The stand axis  50  is then press fit into the recess  48 . As is the case for the handle axis  46 , other methods of having a stand axis  50  on the turret body  24  may be used and are known in the art. In addition, the stand axis  46  may be formed as an intrinsic part of the turret body  24 . Preferably, the turret body  24  is mounted within the illuminator  10  so that it is incrementally rotatable on its stand axis  50  and its handle axis  46 . 
     For the incrementally rotating the light channels  34 , in the preferred embodiment the turret  14  comprises a separate disk  52 , as shown in FIGS. 2,  4 ,  7 ,  7 A &amp;  8 . It is preferred that the disk  52  is made from a rigid material such as stainless steel or aluminum. The disk  52  is secured to the back end  28  of the turret body  24 , preferably in a pre-formed corresponding groove in the back end  28  of the turret body  24 . The disk  52  includes a central void  56  for the stand axis  48  to pass through. The disk  52  is preferably secured to the back end  28  of the turret body  24  by one or more disk screws  104  fitted through corresponding one or more disk screw holes  54  and into the back end  28  of the turret body  24 . However, the disk  52  may be secured by other means known in the art, such as an adhesive. The disk  52  comprises a plurality of depressions  58  on the back side of the disk  52  appropriate for a resilient bearing mechanism. As shown, the depressions  58  are formed completely through the disk  52 . However, the depressions  58  may be formed only onto the back surface of the disk  52 . Alternatively, the turret body  24  may be formed so that the appropriate depressions are formed on the turret body  24  itself, thereby obviating the need for the disk  52 . 
     The turret  14  is in contact with a stand  60  within the illuminator  10 , as shown in FIG.  1 . The stand  60  comprises a recess  62  open toward the turret body  24  which is complementary to the stand axis  50  and allows the turret body  24  to be rotated. Alternatively, the recess  62  may go completely through the stand  60 . In another alternative, the stand axis  50  is rotatably secured to the stand  60  by a flanged portion located on the back end of the stand axis  50 . This flanged portion may be intrinsically formed onto the stand axis  50  or may be attached to the stand axis  50  after the stand axis  50  is formed. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the stand  60  further comprises at least one recess  64  appropriate for a mechanism to allow the turret body  24  to be incrementally rotated, such as a biased bearing mechanism. Within the recess  64  is a biasing means for biasing a bearing outwardly from the depression, such as a spring  68 . The spring  68  biases a bearing  66  against appropriate depressions  58  in the disk  52 , or, in the alternative embodiment, in the back end  28  of the turret body  24 . Thus, as the turret body  24  is rotated, the biased bearing  66  allows the turret body  24  to be incrementally rotated. Although other equivalent means for incrementally rotating the turret body  24  are known in the art, the illustrated method is the best one known to the inventor. Furthermore, more than one biased bearing mechanism may be used within a separate other recess or a connected recess in the stand  60 . 
     In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1,  5  and  6 , the turret body  24  is attached to a turret handle  70  at the handle axis  46 . The turret handle  70  is attached so that it lies outside the front wall  72  to the illuminator  10 . It is preferred that the turret handle  70  is made of a rigid and heat resistant material. Plastic is preferred although metal or another material may be used. Having the turret handle  70  a predetermined distance from the turret body  24  and the light source  12  helps the operator of the illuminator  10  avoid burns. There are openings  74  in the turret handle  70  which correspond to the port cavities  30  in the front end  26  of the turret body  24 . As shown in FIG. 5, a corresponding hole  106  is formed in the front wall  72  of the illuminator  10 , allowing communication between the outside of the illuminator and a properly positioned predetermined port cavity  30 . It is also preferred that convenient power switches  76  are located on the front wall  72  of the illuminator  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 5, fiber-optic cables may be attached to a predetermined port cavity  30  through an appropriate opening  106  in the front wall  72  of the illuminator  10 . Thus, as the turret body  24  is incrementally rotated, it presents a predetermined port cavity  30  in optical communication with the light source  12  through a corresponding opening  74  in the handle  70 . It is also preferred that the handle  70  has textural elements  108  to ease the use of the handle  70  by the operator. As further shown in FIG. 5, in an alternative embodiment to this invention, one or two turrets  14  may be used in a particular illuminator  10 . Each turret body  24  used in a one or more multiple turret illuminator  10  thus has its own handle  70 . As shown, it is preferred that the handle  70  be clearly labeled to show which port cavity  30  is in communication with the light source  12 . 
     Each port cavity  30  is preferably customized so that it may be used with a, different fiber-optic cable. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2,  3 ,  3 A and  4 A,  4 B and  4 C, a port cavity  30   a  may comprise a shaped spring  78  located in a recess  80  complementary to the spring  78 . Preferably the spring  78  is made from a resilient, yet rigid, material, such as stainless steel. The spring  78  may be generally square in shape, as appropriate for adapting the port cavity  30   a  for attachment to an ACMI fiber-optic cable, or its equivalent. 
     In another example of a port cavity  30   b , a differently shaped spring  82  may be located in an appropriate recess  84  for the spring  82 . In addition, a bushing  86  may be added and located in an appropriate recess  88  for the bushing  86 . As shown in FIG. 4 c , the port cavity  30   b  is thus adaptable for use with a Wolf type fiber-optic cable, or its equivalent. 
     In still another example of a port cavity  30   c , a resilient biased bearing mechanism  90  is used, and placed within an offset chamber  92  located in the front end  26  of the turret body  24 . The resilient bearing mechanism  90  preferably comprises a spring retaining mechanism  98  within the offset chamber  92 . The biasing means, such as a spring  96  is placed within the spring retaining mechanism  90 . A bearing  102  is located between the inner end  100  of the spring  96  and the port cavity  30   c . It is preferred that the spring  96  and the bearing  102  are made of stainless steel. A setscrew  110  keeps the spring retaining mechanism  98  in place within the offset chamber  92 . In this manner, the port cavity  30   c  is adaptable for use with a Storz fiber-optic cable, or its equivalent. 
     In still another alternative port cavity  30   d , the perimeter of the front face of the front end  26  of the turret body  24  is contoured. Thus, the port cavity  30   d  is adaptable for use with an Olympus type fiber-optic cable, or its equivalent. 
     It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompany drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be stood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specfic features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described.