Surgical theater system having light, monitors, and cameras

A surgical theater apparatus for suspending from a ceiling structural member of a hospital includes a central hub mountable to the ceiling structural member to rotate about a rotation axis. The hub has a pivot axis spaced apart from the rotation axis. First and second devices, such as surgical lights, a cameras, and monitors, are mounted to a first end of a first device arm and a first end of a second device arm, respectively. A second end of the first device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis and about the pivot axis. A second end of the second device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis. The pivot axis and the rotation axis are parallel.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ceiling mounted system for use in a surgical theater. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus having articulating arms that support a surgical light, a video camera, and video monitors. The present invention also relates to such an apparatus wherein the articulating arms are inter-changeable between apparatus in different locations and configured to display video images selected from a plurality of video devices.

Video monitors are used in surgical theaters for viewing images such as, for example, images produced from lapyroscopic and endoscopic cameras. These monitors display images placed in a position so that the surgeon can view them during a surgical procedure. These monitors are typically mounted on top of a rolling cart that contains the lapyroscopic or endoscopic equipment. This cart is large and bulky and takes up valuable space around the operating table. Since the monitor is on top of the cart, the monitor cannot always be placed in a position that is the most optimum for viewing by the surgeon.

In many surgical procedures, two monitors are used because a physician's assistant is located on the opposite side of the operating table from the surgeon and cannot see the monitor that is positioned for the surgeon's viewing. In these cases, two monitors must be used at different locations around the table. The positions of the monitors varies depending on the type of surgery and the positions of the surgeon and the assistant. Having two carts with monitors on them takes up an excessive amount of floor space.

With the development of flat screen monitors, the size of the monitors has decreased dramatically. For flat screen monitors and CRT monitors having comparable image sizes, the footprint of the flat screen monitor enclosure is much smaller than that of the comparable CRT monitor. Similarly, the weight of the flat screen monitor is only a fraction of a comparable CRT type monitor.

Flat screen monitors are compatible with mounting on an arm that is attached to the ceiling. This allows the endoscopic cart to be separated from the video monitor. The cart can then be moved away from the table to different areas of the suite out of the way of the surgeon. The scope is plugged into a wall outlet that is hard wired through the wall and down through the support arms to the video monitors.

Filming and recording surgical procedures is now becoming more routine. Operating rooms are typically not adequately equipped to record these surgical procedures. In fact, more often than not, a surgeon employs the services of a professional company or utilizes the in house services available to film a procedure. This requires advance scheduling and is very expensive. Previously, such filming of surgical procedures was principally done for education within the hospital. Today, however, the need to film surgical procedures has expanded considerably.

Cameras are used in operating rooms as a means of networking with the rest of the world. The camera has now become the vehicle by which surgeons can consult with each other during live procedures. For certain surgical procedures it is not uncommon for surgeons to consult with each other from different parts of the world during a case (commonly referred to as ‘Telesurgery’). In teaching hospitals, clinical educators require interactive filming capabilities that can be controlled remotely from the classroom. Such procedures are either recorded for critique at a later date or simply observed ‘real time’ for teaching. Surgeons routinely record procedures and edit the content for presentation at a conference. More surgical procedures are being recorded for future reference should the outcome of the surgery be questioned.

The increased practice of endoscopic and lapyroscopic surgery has produced the need for more sophisticated camera and monitor systems that can alternate between internal and external images. The need to do this in a seamless and user friendly fashion is driving the demand for a new level of sophistication in cameras offered with surgical theater systems. Among the features demanded in these new systems is the ability for the system to be operated by the surgical staff.

Preferably, a surgical camera is movable to different vantage points around the patient, and should even be able to shoot laterally and directly downwardly over the center of the patient. To meet this unique set of needs and provide flexibility, the present invention provides a surgical theater system having a camera mounted on a support arm assembly extending from the same hub which supports the surgical light.

Typically, a surgical light hangs above the table in an OR suite for lighting the surgical site. Many health care facilities have more than one, and often several, OR suites in which surgical lights are mounted to illuminate surgical procedures. The disclosed device includes a plurality of arms mounted to the hub of a surgical theater system so that a surgical light, a camera and/or video monitors can be positioned effectively around the surgical table. In this specification, including the claims, the term “hub” is intended to refer to a member which rotates about an axis or shaft. Typically, a shaft is mounted to the ceiling in the OR to extend downwardly and at least one and often two lights are mounted on the hub for movement about the shaft.

According to one aspect of the invention, a surgical theater apparatus for suspending from a ceiling structural member of a hospital includes first and second devices selected from the group of a surgical light, a camera, and a monitor and a central hub mountable to the ceiling structural member to rotate about a rotation axis. The hub has a pivot axis spaced apart from and parallel to the rotation axis. A first device arm is coupled at a first end to the first device and mounted at a second end to the hub for movement about the rotation axis and about the pivot axis. A second device arm is coupled at a first end to the second device and mounted at a second end to the hub for movement about the rotation axis. The first device may be a monitor and the second device a camera. The hub may include a second pivot axis spaced apart from and parallel to the rotation axis and the first pivot axis so that a third device selected from the group of a surgical light, a camera, and a monitor may be mounted by a third device arm to the hub for movement about the rotation axis and about the second pivot axis. This third device may be a monitor. The first and second pivot axes and the rotation axis are coplanar. The first device arm includes a first segment and a second segment pivotally mounted to the first segment about a third pivot axis which is perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The apparatus may also include an additional surgical light attached to a surgical light arm mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis. The device may also include slip rings to facilitate passage of cables through the hub and arms, adjustable brakes for controlling rotation of the hub and pivoting of the arms, and stops limiting the motion of the arms.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surgical light apparatus for mounting to a support in a ceiling includes a surgical light head, a first monitor, a second monitor, a camera, and a shaft mountable to the support. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis extending downwardly from the support. A light hub is mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the light head being coupled to the light hub by a light arm extending laterally away from the light hub. A camera hub is mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the camera being coupled to the camera hub by a camera arm extending laterally away from the camera hub. A monitor hub having first and second pivot joints pivoting about first and second pivot axes respectively is mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The first monitor is coupled to the first pivot joint by a first monitor arm and the second monitor is coupled to the second pivot joint by a second monitor arm. The first pivot axis is spaced apart laterally from, and is substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis. The second pivot axis is spaced apart laterally from, and is substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis. The first and second monitor arms pivot at least 180 degrees about the first and second pivot axes respectively. The device may also include slip rings to facilitate passage of cables through the hub and arms, adjustable brakes for controlling rotation of the hub and pivoting of the arms, and a second surgical light head coupled to a second light hub by a second light arm extending laterally away from the second light hub.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a surgical light apparatus for mounting to a support in a ceiling includes a shaft mountable to the support to have a longitudinal axis extending downwardly from the support, a surgical light head mounted to a light hub mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis by a light arm extending laterally away from the light hub, and a monitor mounted by a monitor arm assembly to a monitor hub mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The monitor arm includes a bent arm coupled to the monitor hub portion and extending laterally away and then downwardly from the monitor hub portion to a distal end. An extension arm is rotatably mounted at a first end to the distal end of the bent arm to rotate about a second rotation axis. A laterally-extending arm is mounted at a first end to a second end of the extension arm. An upper section of a downwardly-extending arm is mounted at the first end to the laterally-extending arm and a second end to the upper end of a lower section of the downwardly-extending arm. The lower section is rotatably mounted at the upper end to the second end of the upper section to rotate about a third rotation axis. The monitor is mounted to the lower section at the lower end. The longitudinal axis, first rotation axis and second rotation axis are generally parallel. The laterally-extending arm is pivotally mounted to the extension arm and the downwardly extending arm to pivot about first and second generally parallel pivot axes respectively. The first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Slip rings facilitate rotation of the hub and the arm sections.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a surgical video apparatus for suspending from a ceiling structural member of a hospital includes a support mountable to the ceiling structural member and a shaft having an upper end and a longitudinal axis and being coupled at the upper end to the support to extend downwardly. A video monitor is coupled by a monitor arm to the the shaft for movement about a pivot axis, and a camera is coupled by a camera arm to the shaft for movement about a rotation axis. The pivot axis is spaced apart laterally from the rotation axis, said pivot axis and rotation axis being generally parallel to said longitudinal axis. The rotation axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis. A second monitor is coupled to a second monitor arm coupled to the shaft for movement about a second pivot axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first and second pivot axes extend through a hub to which the second ends of the first and second monitor arms are pivotally mounted and the hub is mounted to the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The first and second pivot axes and the rotation axis are coplanar.

A surgical light, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a shaft mountable to a ceiling structure to extend downwardly and define a longitudinal axis, a surgical light mounted to a hub by a light arm to the shaft for movement about the longitudinal axis, and a monitor coupled to a monitor arm assembly for coupling the monitor for movement about the longitudinal axis. The arm assembly includes a first arm movable about the shaft and having, at its distal end, a portion extending downwardly to define a second axis, a second arm movable about the second axis, the second arm having a proximal end coupled to the first arm downwardly extending portion and a distal end, the monitor being coupled to the second arm distal end.

A surgical apparatus includes a hub assembly configured to be attached to a ceiling, an arm coupled for pivotal movement about the hub assembly and having a distal end including a mechanical connector and an electrical connector, the electrical connector being configured to couple to an electrical connector of a camera and a monitor, a monitor and a camera. The monitor is mounted to a mechanical connector configured to attach to and detach from the mechanical connector of the arm. The monitor is coupled to an electrical connector configured to attach to and detach from the electrical connector of the arm. The camera is mounted to a mechanical connector configured to attach to and detach from the mechanical connector of the arm. The monitor is coupled to an electrical connector configured to attach to and detach from the electrical connector of the arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surgical theater apparatus for use in a surgical suite having a ceiling includes a hub assembly, including a plurality of hub segments at least one of which is pivotable about a main axis, is adapted to be coupled to the ceiling. An arm assembly couples a video device to a first hub segment for pivoting movement about a pivot axis that is spaced apart from and parallel with the main axis. The video device may be a camera or a monitor. A second arm assembly may couple a surgical light a second hub segment. The arm assembly may include an upper arm, a counterbalanced arm assembly coupled to the upper arm coupled to the first hub segment for pivoting movement about the pivot axis, and a lower arm assembly coupled to the counterbalanced arm assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a surgical theater apparatus for use in a surgical suite includes a hub assembly having a plurality of hub segments at least one of which is pivotable about a main axis. First and second video devices are coupled by first and second arm assemblies to a first hub segment of the plurality of hub segments for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes that are spaced apart from and parallel with the main axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, a surgical theater apparatus has an arm assembly including a first arm, a first mechanical connector coupled to the first arm, and a first electrical connector adjacent the first mechanical connector. A monitor assembly adapted to be mechanically coupled to the first mechanical connector and to be electrically coupled to the first electrical connector and a camera assembly adapted to be mechanically coupled to the first mechanical connector and to be electrically coupled to the first electrical connector are also provided. The monitor assembly and the camera assembly are selectively and individually coupleable to and decoupleable from the arm assembly.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, several embodiments of a surgical theater system10and controls for a surgical theater system are illustrated. Each surgical theater system embodiment illustrated includes a central hub12composed of a plurality of hub portions. One hub portion, referred to as connection hub or monitor hub46, or connection hub or multi-purpose hub646, of each illustrated embodiment is adapted for mounting of two arms thereto. The connection hub46and646is configured to facilitate mounting two arms to a surgical theater system in less vertical area than is typically required for mounting two arms using standard hub configurations. This configuration allows more devices to be mounted to a central hub of a surgical theater system with minimal intrusion into the head space available for the surgical staff over the operating table. The other hub portions are of standard configuration and are of the type by which surgical lights, cameras, and or monitors are typically mounted to the central hub of a surgical theater system. It is understood that the central hub12may include a plurality of connection hubs46and646within the teaching of the present invention. While the surgical theater systems are illustrated having configurations with a specific number of surgical lights, cameras, and/or monitors, it is within the teaching of the disclosure as presently perceived for different configurations of surgical light heads, monitors, and/or cameras to be included in each described surgical theater system.

FIGS. 1-4illustrate two embodiments of a surgical theater system10having two dedicated light arms, a dedicated camera arm90, and two dedicated monitor arm assemblies48and180attached to a hub12. Both embodiments of the monitor arm assembly48and180include a bent upper arm having a horizontal arm50and a vertical arm52having an upper section60and a lower section62, a laterally-extending arm66and188coupled to the lower section62of the bent arm, and a lower assembly or mount67coupling the monitor42and44to the laterally-extending arm66and188. The two embodiments differ in the type of arm used for the laterally-extending arm66and188and the manner in which the laterally-extending arm66and188is coupled to the bent arm and the lower assembly67. Thus, the similar components of the two embodiments of monitor arm assembly48and180will be discussed with regard to the adjustable counterbalanced arm assembly48with the understanding that the fixed height monitor arm assembly180is similarly fashioned. Any slight differences between the two embodiments will be indicated. However, each laterally-extending arm embodiment66and188will be discussed separately.

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1-3illustrate a surgical theater system10according to one aspect of the present invention. The surgical theater system10includes a central hub12mounted to support11mounted to a ceiling14in a room such as a surgical suite. The hub12is located over an operating room table16or other patient support device on which a surgical procedure is to be performed. First and second surgical lights18and20are pivotally coupled to first and second light hubs or hub sections22and24, respectively, of hub12by light arms or support arm assemblies28. Therefore, the surgical lights18and20are rotatable about axis26of hub12.

Surgical light support arms28include horizontally extending sections30and vertically extending sections32. Vertically extending arm sections32include upper and lower sections34and36so that the vertical sections32are rotatable about axis38. A counterbalanced arm40is pivotally coupled to vertical arm section32for supporting surgical lights18and20. In each of the illustrated embodiments of a surgical theater system, the light heads, light arms and light hubs are of the type commonly used in surgical theater systems including only light heads and light arms. Details of the surgical lights18and20and surgical light support arms28are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,012,821 and 6,132,062 and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/050,265; 09/050,529; and 09/050,534 which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In theFIGS. 1-4embodiments of the surgical theater system10, dedicated monitor arms48and180are mounted to a monitor hub46forming a portion of the central hub12. Each of the two monitor arm assemblies48and180of each embodiment is coupled through top pivot joint122to a respective bottom pivot joint54permitting each monitor arm assembly48and180to swivel through a range of about 180° around its associated pivot axis56and58extending through its associated pivot joint54. The rotation of the monitor hub46to which each monitor arm assembly48and180is coupled allows each monitor42and44to be placed anywhere around the surgical table. Each monitor arm assembly48and180may move about its respective pivot axis56and58without inducing rotation of the monitor hub46about rotation axis26until the top pivot joint122to which arm assembly48and180is attached hits a stop. Thus, a 180° movement of one arm assembly between its first stop limit and its second stop limit occurs without creating movement in the other monitor arm assembly coupled to connection hub46. Once one arm assembly is moved in a direction until top pivot joint122to which it is attached hits the stop, additional movement of that arm assembly in the same direction causes the other arm assembly to rotate as well because the entire connection hub46rotates.

The vertical arm52of the bent arm of each monitor arm assembly48and180extends downwardly from the horizontal arm50at a location radially inwardly from vertical sections32of the light arms28. Upper section60and lower section62of vertical arm52are coupled by a swivel mechanism including a slip ring assembly permitting the lower section62to rotate about a rotation axis extending through the upper section60. The laterally-extending arm, coupled to the monitor42and44through the lower assembly, also rotates about the rotation axis extending through the upper section60to permit the monitor to be placed closer to or farther away from the vertical arm52.

In the fixed height monitor arm assembly180, the laterally-extending arm188is one portion of a unitary off-set or S-shaped section182also including an upper section184and a lower arm section190. Upper arm section184replaces lower section62of vertical arm52of arm assembly48so that upper arm section184is pivotally mounted to upper section60of vertical arm52. Laterally-extending or horizontal arm section188of arm assembly180is also rigidly mounted to the lower assembly67. For uniformity in description, while physically a component of off-set or S-shaped section182, lower arm section190is functionally a component of lower assembly67in arm assembly180. The laterally-extending or horizontal arm188of the fixed height monitor arm assembly180includes an offset of about 14″ to allow the monitor to reach beyond the head or foot of the table and to be placed even with the side of the table.

In the adjustable height monitor arm assembly48, counterbalanced arm66is attached to the vertical arm52illustratively at about a 78″ height above the floor. This counterbalanced arm66contains a parallelogram link that keeps the monitor42and44in a consistent orientation relative to the floor when it is raised upwardly or lowered downwardly.

Referring again to both embodiments of monitor arm assembly48and180, the lower assembly67extends from below the laterally-extending arm66and188. Below the connection point of the laterally-extending arm66and188to the lower assembly67, the lower assembly67includes another swivel including a slip ring that allows monitor42and44to be rotated to position the monitor at the desired viewing angle. Attached to this arm is a bracket86,196that attaches to the monitor and allows the monitor to tilt to eliminate glare and improve viewing angle. A sterile handle84,194is coupled to the back of the monitor-attaching bracket86,196to aid in moving the monitor to its desired position. All cables for video monitor42and44and camera108are substantially enclosed inside the articulating arms48180, and90.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, first and second monitors42and44are coupled to the central hub12. Illustratively, monitors42and44are Model LC150M2 monitors available from Sharp or Model SH46/H746 monitors available from Computer Dynamics Inc. It is understood that any suitable monitors may be used. Monitors42and44are coupled to connection hub or monitor hub46by support arm assemblies48. Illustratively, a monitor support arm assembly48includes a bent arm or first segment having a horizontal arm section50and a vertical arm section52for each monitor42and44. Horizontal arm sections50are coupled to bottom pivot joints54which extend away from a main hub section47of connection hub46. Therefore, the horizontal arm sections50are pivotable about pivot axes56and58which are spaced apart from the pivot or rotation axis26of central hub12.

Vertical arm sections52of monitor arm assemblies48illustratively each include first or upper section60and second or lower sections62. The second vertical section or extension arm62is rotatable relative to the first vertical section60about axis64. In monitor arm assembly48, counterbalanced arm66is pivotally connected at its proximate end to second vertical section62by a pivot connection68having an upwardly extending mounting shaft346. Counterbalanced arm66is pivotally mounted about pivot connection72at its distal end to a lower assembly67. Pivot connection72includes a downwardly extending mounting shaft358.

In monitor arm assembly48, lower assembly67includes horizontal arm70, hub or arm74, vertical arm76, monitor mounting arm78, hub82, handle84, and monitor support plate86. Horizontal arm70is coupled at its distal end to downwardly extending mounting shaft358of pivot connection72. Mounting shaft358is rotatably mounted to a lower arm section or hub74of a lower mounting assembly67. Vertical arm76is coupled to horizontal arm section70. Monitor mounting arm78has a first end80rotatably coupled to a hub82of vertical arm76. Handle84is coupled to end section80. A second end85of mounting arm78is coupled to a monitor support plate86. Movement of the monitor arm assemblies48is described in detail with reference toFIG. 3discussed below.

As shown, inFIGS. 1-4the surgical theater system includes a dedicated camera hub to which a camera is mounted by a camera arm. The dedicated camera hub is mounted for movement about the downwardly extending shaft of the surgical theater system. The hub allows for 360° rotation so the camera is movable anywhere over the table without obstruction. This is done by using a slip ring design electrically coupling a first cable carried by the shaft to a second cable carried by an arm that couples the camera to the hub. The slip ring, first cable and second cable carry video signals between the camera and a monitor, and electrical power from a power supply to the camera.

The camera has a sterile handle that can be grabbed to move the camera to any position around the table. With this handle, the camera can be pointed at the surgical site with feedback from the monitor. In an illustrated embodiment of controls for a surgical theater system, a remote control (wired or wireless) is used to make fine adjustments to pan, tilt, rotate and zoom. A wall remote control can also be used to control the camera. These controls can also be operated from a remote location such as in a conference room for observers.

Accordingly, the surgical theater system10further includes a camera mounting arm assembly90having a horizontal arm section92coupled to camera hub94of central hub12. A vertical arm section96is coupled to horizontal arm section92. Vertical section96includes a first, upper section98and a second, lower arm section100rotatably coupled to arm section98about axis102. A counterbalanced arm104is coupled to lower vertical section100by a pivot connection106. A camera108includes a camera mounting arm110rotatably mounted on shaft112by hub114. Shaft112is pivotally connected to counterbalanced arm104by pivot connection116. Illustratively, camera108is a Model DXC970MD available from Sony. It is understood that any suitable camera may be used.

Camera arm assembly90is mounted to hub section or camera hub94. Hub section94is rotatable about axis26as illustrated by double-headed arrow150. Lower vertical arm section100is rotatable about axis102relative to upper vertical section98as illustrated by double-headed arrow152. Counterbalanced arm104is pivotable relative to vertical arm section96about pivot axis154as illustrated by double-headed arrow156. Shaft112is pivotally mounted to the other end of counterbalanced arm104about pivot axis158. In addition, mounting arm110is rotatably mounted to shaft112by hub114about axis160as illustrated by double-headed arrow162. The illustrated arm110includes a horizontal arm section164rigidly mounted to hub114, a vertically extending arm section166, and a horizontally extending coupling arm168coupled to camera108. Camera108is rotatable about axis170as shown by double-headed arrow172. Handle174is provided for moving and controlling the camera108.

Electrical cables are routed through arm assemblies48and90through hub112to other equipment within the hospital room or connected to a remote location through an electrical communication network. In the illustrated embodiment, camera arm assembly90is very similar to monitor arm assembly48, differing significantly from the monitor arm assembly48only in the type of hub to which it is mounted at its proximate end, the electrical cables routed therethrough, and the type of lower mounting assembly coupled to the distal end of the counterbalanced arm.

The spacing and relative position of the arm assemblies28,48, and90are illustrated in FIG.2. The arms are spaced radially inwardly from each other so that each arm can rotate 360° around central hub12. The surgical lights18and20can, therefore, be placed at any desired location relative to the operating table16. In addition, the camera108can be moved to desired locations including directly over the top of the surgical table16as shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 3illustrates movement of the monitor arm assemblies48and the camera arm assembly90of FIG.1. As discussed above, the horizontal sections50of monitor arm assemblies48are pivotable about axes56and58of bottom pivot joints54of connection hub46as illustrated by double-headed arrow120. Stops are provided on bottom pivot joints54and top pivot joints122attached to each horizontal arm section50. Illustratively, the horizontal arm sections50pivot about 180° relative to bottom pivot joint54. As is described further below, once a stop on top pivot joint122engages a stop on bottom pivot joint54, further movement of monitor arm50causes the entire connection hub46to rotate. Therefore, after the first monitor arm is rotated 180°, further rotation causes the first monitor arm and the other monitor arm to rotate with connection hub46.

As described above, and as shown more particularly inFIGS. 5-7, connection hub46includes a main hub section47and two diametrically opposed bottom pivot joints54extending radially beyond outer surface400of main hub section47. In the illustrated embodiment, outer surface400of main hub section47is a cylindrical surface concentric about rotation axis26. Main hub section47is formed to include an interior bore404. Interior bore404is concentric about rotation axis26.

Main hub section47is substantially similar to a standard hub section for surgical lights with a few significant differences. Besides the obvious difference of having two diametrically opposed bottom pivot joints54formed integrally therewith instead of a single support arm connector, main hub section47includes two, instead of one, radially extending holes402communicating between interior bore404and bottom pivot joints54. Main hub section47also includes a radially extending counter-bored hole408for receipt of a brake adjustment screw410.

Radial holes402are provided to permit passage of cables406containing wires for power, ground, video signals, and shield ground. In the illustrated embodiment, cables406contain four wires, i.e. a ground wire, a wire carrying electricity at 12 volts above the potential of ground wire, a shielded cable carrying a C video signal, and a shielded cable containing a Y video signal. Different C and Y video signals can be provided to each different monitor.

A pair of bearing assemblies417each include a first tapered race418, a second tapered race422, and a plurality of caged rolling elements420positioned therebetween. Near top412and bottom414of main hub section47, interior bore404is counter bored to form a shoulder416for receipt of first tapered race418on which rolling elements420run. Second tapered race422is formed to include a hole424through which a lock pin426is inserted to stake race422to shaft430. Shaft430has this longitudinal axis of symmetry431on rotation axis26which is illustratively concentric with longitudinal axis of symmetry of hub46. Rolling elements420of bearings run on both tapered race422fixed to shaft430and tapered race418held on shoulder416of main hub section47to allow main hub section47to rotate about rotation axis26.

The ease with which connection hub46rotates about rotation axis26can be set by the user or assembly technician through adjustment of brake assembly432. Brake assembly432includes a brake pad434, metal cylindrical sleeve436, and brake adjustment screw410. Illustratively, brake pad434is in the form of a Rulon® bushing. (Rulon® is a registered trademark of Dixon Corporation). Brake pad434is press fit into metal cylindrical sleeve436which is formed to include a tapped hole438. Shaft430extends through Brake pad434. Brake adjustment screw410extends through counter bored hole408in main hub section47and is received in tapped hole438. Tightening and loosening of adjustment screw410causes the frictional force exerted by Brake pad434on shaft430to be increased and decreased respectively. Preferably, these frictional forces are set so that monitor arm assemblies48can pivot through their full range about pivot axes56and58without inducing rotation of connection hub46about rotational axis26. Once monitor arms48have reached their limits, further rotation of monitor arm48will induce rotation of the entire connection hub46about rotational axis26.

Connection hub46is adapted to provide power and video signals to monitors42and44. To facilitate power and signal transmission to monitors42and44, connection hub46includes slip ring assembly440. Slip ring assembly440is illustrated diagrammatically, the actual internal construction being well known. Slip rings440are commercially available from Litton Systems, Inc., Blacksburg, Va., and are known in the art. Slip ring assembly440includes an inner plastic sleeve442, outer plastic sleeve444, two four-wired cables406, and a six-wire cable452. Inner plastic sleeve442is formed to include a keyway443to receive key446which is also received in keyway428formed in outer surface429of shaft430to couple inner sleeve442to shaft430. Six-wire cable452runs through the interior shaft430. Outer plastic sleeve444is formed to include a keyway445for receipt of a key448which is also received in keyway450formed in interior bore404of connection hub46to fix outer sleeve444to connection hub46.

Internally, slip ring assembly440includes seven mutually insulated sets of slip rings. The first set of slip rings is coupled to a ground wire in six-wire cable452and a ground wire in each of four-wire cables406. A second set of slip rings is connected to a wire carrying electricity at 12 volts above the potential of ground in six-wire cable452and in both four-wire cables406. The third set of slip rings is connected to a shielded wire carrying the C video signal for monitor42in the six-wire cable452and in the four-wire cable406running to monitor42. A fourth set of slip rings is coupled a shielded wire carrying the Y video signal for monitor42in six-wire cable452and the four-wire cable406running to monitor42. A fifth set of slip rings is coupled to a shielded cable carrying the Y video signal for monitor44in six-wire cable452and the four-wire cable406running to monitor44. A sixth set of slip rings is coupled to the shielded wires carrying the Y video signal for monitor44in six-wire cable452and the four-wire cable406running to monitor44. A seventh set of slip rings is coupled to the shields for all of the shielded cables in six-wire cable452and four-wire cable406to provide a shield ground for all of the video signals.

In the illustrated embodiments, bottom pivot joints54are integrally formed with main hub section47in connection with flange458to form connection hub46. Each bottom pivot joint54includes a convex bottom wall460, a cylindrical outer wall462, and a flat top wall464. An arcuate-shaped stop466extends upwardly from flat top wall464. Each cylindrical outer wall462is concentric about a respective pivot axis56and58. Each arcuate stop466extends upwardly from flat top wall464and radially 15° about flat top wall464, as shown by angle468measured from a respective pivot axis56and58in FIG.7.

Flat top wall464is milled inwardly from arcuate stop466to form a shoulder470. Bottom pivot joint54is also formed to include a upwardly opening interior cavity72defined by cylindrical inner walls474and cylindrical post476. Each cylindrical post476is concentric about a respective pivot axis56and58. An axial bore478, coaxial with a respective pivot axis56and58, extends through cylindrical post476and convex bottom wall60.

A large counter bore480, coaxial with a respective pivot axis56and58, is formed in convex bottom wall460. Counter bore480is defined by side wall482and wall484. A radially extending slot486is formed in side wall482to receive snap legs488extending from convex body490of cap492. A hexagonal bolt head-shaped hole494is formed in each wall484concentric about a respective pivot axis56and58to receive the head496of a hex bolt498to prevent hex bolt498from rotating with respect to bottom pivot joint54. Each hex bolt498acts as a pivot pin and is concentric about a respective pivot axis56and58. As shown, for example, inFIG. 6, cylindrical post476extends slightly upwardly beyond flat top wall64.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 5,6, and8-10, a top pivot joint122is pivotally coupled to each bottom pivot joint54. Top pivot joint122includes a housing500and an arm connection section502. Housing500includes a convex top wall504, a cylindrical side wall506and a flat bottom wall508. An arcuate slot510is formed in flat bottom wall508and extends around flat bottom wall by an angle512measured from a respective pivot axis54,56of approximately 195° as shown, for example, in FIG.8. Substantially inwardly from arcuate slot510, flat bottom wall508is counter bored to form an inner cylindrical wall514and a wall516. A counter bored hole507extends through cylindrical side wall506and inner cylindrical wall514. A cylindrical post518extends downwardly from wall516. Inner cylindrical wall514and cylindrical post518are concentric about a respective pivot axis56and58. As shown, for example, inFIG. 6inner cylindrical wall514of top pivot joint122has substantially the same diameter as cylindrical inner wall574of bottom pivot joint54. An axial bore520, coaxial with a respective pivot axis56and58, extends through cylindrical post518and convex top wall504.

Convex top wall504is bored to form a shoulder522concentric about a respective pivot axis54and56. An additional larger but shallower counter bore extends from convex top wall and is defined by step526and side wall524. A channel528is formed in side wall524to receive snap legs530extending from the convex body532of a cap534.

Arm connection section502includes a larger diameter tapered section536which decreases in diameter as it extends from cylindrical side wall506of housing500and a small diameter cylindrical section538. Arm connection section502extends radially from housing500. Small diameter cylindrical section538is formed to include threaded holes540to facilitate coupling sleeve of horizontal arm50onto arm connection section502. A wire bore542extends radially through inner cylindrical wall514of housing500and arm connection section502.

During assembly of top pivot joint122to bottom pivot joint54, bearings549, formed from caged rolling elements550sandwiched between two thrust washers551, are placed on shoulder470of bottom pivot joint54. Hex bolt498is inserted through axial bore478until head496is received in hexagonal hole494. A brake assembly552including a brake pad554in the form of a Rulon® bushing received in a metal cylindrical sleeve556and an adjustment screw558is attached to the shaft of hex bolt498. Four-wire cable406is routed through hole402, wrapped around cylindrical post476two times and then routed through wire bore542in top pivot joint112. Top pivot joint112is then inserted over hex bolt498so that hex bolt498extends through axial bore520. Adjustment screw558is inserted through counter bored hole507in cylindrical side wall506so that its threads are received in a threaded hole560in metal cylindrical sleeve556. Arcuate stop466is received in arcuate slot510and flat bottom wall508rests on thrust washer551of the bearings. Caged needle rolling elements and two thrust washers form a thrust bearing562which is inserted to ride between shoulder522and a thrust washer564. Nut566is attached to bolt498.

Cap492is inserted in bottom pivot joint54so that snap legs488are received in slot486. Cap534is attached to top pivot joint122so that snap legs530are received in channel528. Screws568are inserted through sleeve of arm and threaded holes540in arm connection section502to couple monitor arm48to connection hub46. Brake assembly552is adjusted by tightening or loosening adjustment screw558to increase or decrease the frictional force exerted by Brake pad554on hex nut498. Preferably, brake assembly552is adjusted so that top pivot joint122pivots more easily about pivot axis56and58than connection hub46rotates about rotation axis26.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 9-13, in the illustrated embodiment, each top pivot joint122pivots about a respective pivot axis56and58approximately 180° between a first limit in which first end570of arcuate slot510is contacted by first side572of arcuate stop466(shown inFIG. 10) and a second limit position wherein second end574of slot510is engaged by second side576of arcuate stop466(shown in FIG.12). As shown, for example, inFIGS. 9,10, and12, if brake assemblies552and432are adjusted in a preferred manner, pivoting of either monitor arm48(not shown inFIGS. 9-13) attached to arm connection section502between the first limit position and the second limit position will not induce rotation of connection hub46about rotation axis26. After monitor arm48has been rotated in a direction until it reaches a limit position, as shown byFIGS. 10 and 12, further rotation of the monitor arm48in the same direction will induce rotation of connection hub46about rotation axis26, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 11 and 13.

Counterbalanced arms66,104are pivotable arms bearing loads, shown as monitors42and44and camera108. Counterbalanced arms66,104, like typical counterbalanced arms, include spring mechanisms which act as counterbalances to the load carried at the end of the arm opposite the pivot point. One problem experienced with counterbalanced arms is that after the counterbalanced arm has been pivoted so that its load is at the desired height, the weight of the load may induce the arm to pivot downwardly slightly after it is released. This unwanted travel is typically the result of the spring mechanism being improperly tensioned. Counterbalanced arms66,104are designed to reduce this unwanted travel. Counterbalanced arm66will be described hereafter, it being understood that counterbalanced arm104is similarly constructed.

Counterbalanced arm66includes a first plastic housing half210, a second plastic housing half212, and an arm assembly214. First housing half210is joined to second housing half212to enclose arm assembly214to provide an easily cleanable outer surface and to prevent particulate matter and fluids from interfering with the mechanisms of arm assembly214. It is within the scope of the disclosure to house the structural elements of the counterbalanced arm66within other appropriate enclosure including a cast aluminum one piece enclosure.

Arm assembly214includes a load bracket216, an upright bracket218, a first gas cylinder220, a second gas cylinder222, a bottom box C-shaped link224, a top box C-shaped link226, a counterarm228, a counterarm bracket230, a slide pin232, a counterarm bracket adjustment screw234, and a plurality of pivot pins236,238,240,242,244. Link224and link226are pivotally mounted to, and extend parallel to each other between, upright bracket216and load bracket218. Counterarm228is pivotally mounted at a first end246to counterarm bracket230which is slidably mounted to load bracket218. Counterarm228is pivotally mounted at a second end248to first ends250of gas cylinders220and222and is slidably coupled to link224. The second ends252of gas cylinders222and220are pivotally mounted to upright bracket216by pivot pin242.

In the illustrated embodiment, bottom link224includes two side walls254and256extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall258. Bottom link224may be constructed in any of several alternative fashions, including, for example, having separate side links corresponding to side walls254and256, or from a hollow rectangular tube which would include a top wall extending between side walls254and256parallel to bottom wall258. Bottom link224has a width278. Welded or otherwise mounted to side walls254and256at a first end260of bottom link224are mounting ears262. Mounting ears264are also welded or otherwise attached to sidewalls254and256at second end261of bottom link224. First end260and mounting ears262define a bottom opening268and second end and mounting ears264define a bottom opening270. Side walls254and256, of bottom link224are formed to include a slide slot272through which slide pin232extends to couple counterarm228to an intermediate portion of bottom link224, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 14 and 15.

Mounting ears262are formed to include mounting holes274through which pivot pin238is received to pivotally mount bottom link224to upright bracket218. Mounting ears264are formed to include mounting holes276through which pivot pin242is received to pivotally mount bottom link224to load bracket216.

While bottom link224has been described as having separate mounting ears262and264welded or otherwise attached thereto, it is within the teaching of the invention for mounting ears262and264to be formed integrally with bottom link224.

Top link226includes side walls280and282and top wall284. Side walls280and282extend upwardly from top wall284. Top link226may be constructed in any of several alternative fashions, including, for example, having one or more separate L-shaped links as shown by phantom lines in FIG.14. Top link226has a width304which is greater than width278of bottom link224facilitating assembly of bottom link224and top link226so that side walls280and282extend downwardly along the outside of side walls254and256to form an enclosure. At first end286, offset mounting ears288are welded or otherwise attached to side walls280and282. Likewise, at second end292, similarly shaped offset mounting ears290are welded or otherwise attached to side walls280and282of top link226. Offset mounting ears288and first end286of top wall284define a top opening294at first end286. At second end, offset mounting ears290and second end292of top wall284define a top opening296. Side walls280and282are formed with the longitudinally extending recess298positioned to allow movement of slot pin232within longitudinal slide slot272when bottom link224and top link226are positioned adjacent each other.

Offset mounting ear288is formed to include mounting holes300through which pivot pin236passes to pivotally couple first end286of top link226to upright bracket218. Likewise, offset mounting ear290is formed to include mounting hole302through which pivot pin240passes to pivotally mount second end292of top link226to load bracket216. While top link226and offset mounting ears288and290are described as separate pieces welded or otherwise attached to each other, it is within the teaching of this invention to form top link226and offset mounting288and290as a single integral piece.

Upright bracket218includes a main frame306and a mounting shaft346. Counterbalance adjustment bracket308is received in main frame306. Mainframe306includes two upwardly extending ears310and312, two downwardly extending ears314and316, and a cross member318. Cross member318extends between and connects upper ears310and312and downwardly extending ears314and316. Cross member318extends only partially from rear face of main frame306towards front face of main frame306to avoid interfering with pivoting action of links224and226and counterarm228. Upwardly extending ears310and312are formed to include first mounting holes322through which pivot pin236passes to couple top link226to upright bracket218. Ears310and312are also formed to include second mounting holes324through which pivot pin238passes to pivotally couple bottom link224to upright bracket218. Mounting shaft346is welded or otherwise attached to rear of mainframe306for coupling counterbalanced arm66to other components of the arm assembly48. Downwardly extending ears314and316are formed to include adjustment slots326through which pivot pin244extends to couple counterarm228to upright bracket218.

Counterbalance adjustment bracket230includes a top wall328and spaced apart ears332and334. Top wall328is formed to include an adjustment hole330. Spaced apart ears332and334extend downwardly from opposite sides of top wall328. Top wall328and ears332and334define a channel336designed to receive the first end of counterarm228. Counterbalance adjustment bracket230is received between ears314and316of main frame306. Ears332and334are formed to include mounting holes338through which pivot pin244passes to pivotally mount counterarm228to counterbalance adjustment bracket230and slidably mount counterbalance adjustment bracket230and counterarm228to main frame306.

Cross member318is formed to include a threaded hole340within which threads of bracket adjustment screw234are received. The shaft of counter balance bracket adjustment screw234passes through adjustment hole330so that tightening of counterbalance bracket adjustment screw234will cause counter balance adjustment bracket230to move in the direction of arrow344. When counterbalance bracket adjustment screw234is loosened, the weight of the monitor and arm assembly214is transferred through counterarm228to urge counter balance adjustment bracket230downwardly. This movement allows a user to adjust the tension exerted by gas cylinders220and222at an optimum level to minimize unwanted travel after vertically positioning monitor or camera.

Second end258of counterarm228is formed to include a yoke352. Ears354of yoke352are formed to include mounting holes356through which slide pin232passes to slidably couple counterarm228to bottom link224and pivotally mount counterarm228to first end250of first and second gas cylinders220and222.

Load bracket216includes mounting shaft358and frame360. Frame360is formed to include ears362and364and cross member366. Mounting shaft358is welded or otherwise attached to frame360and ears362and364. Ears362and364are formed to include mounting holes368through which pivot pin242passes to couple second end of bottom link224to load bracket216, and mounting holes370through which pivot pin240passes to pivotally mount second end of top link226to load bracket216. Second ends252of gas cylinders220and222are pivotally coupled by pivot pin242to load bracket216. Plastic spacers372are disposed on pivot pin242between ear364and second end252of gas spring224, between second end252of gas spring222and second end252of gas spring220, and between second end252of gas spring220and ear364, to maintain alignment of gas springs220and222.

Counterbalanced arm66can move between a lower position (shown in phantom lines inFIG. 15) in which slide pin232is nearest second end374of slot272and an upper position (shown in solid lines inFIG. 15) wherein slide pin232is nearest first end376of slot272. Gas cylinders220and222cooperate with friction between mounting ears262and288and load bracket218and mounting ears264and290and upright bracket216to allow counterbalanced arm66to be stopped and held in any position between the lower limit and upper limit.

An unillustrated alternative, or additional, device to facilitate elimination of unwanted travel in counterbalanced arm66, is a brake mechanism similar in construction and operation to the brake mechanisms in main hub47and top pivot joint122. The brake mechanism may be coupled to bottom link224and either or both pivot pins238and242. The brake mechanism includes a brake pad in the form of a Rulon® bushing received in a metal cylindrical sleeve through which pivot pins238and/or242pass, a flange extending inwardly from either of sidewalls254and256of bottom link224, and an adjustment screw384. The inwardly extending flange is formed to include a hole through which the shaft of adjustment screw passes and metal cylindrical sleeve is formed to include a threaded hole in which the threads of shaft of adjustment screw are received. As adjustment screw is tightened and loosened, Brake pad exerts altering frictional forces on pivot pins242and238. This frictional force may be adjusted to eliminate unwanted travel.

FIG. 4illustrates a fixed height monitor arm assembly180. Those elements referenced by the same reference numeral inFIG. 4as was used to identify a corresponding element inFIGS. 1-3perform the same or similar function as the corresponding element inFIGS. 1-3. Lower vertical arm section62and counterbalanced arm66are replaced by an offset or S-shaped section182including an upper section184rotatably coupled to arm section60about axis64as illustrated by double-headed arrow186. A central, horizontal arm section188extends between upper arm section184and a lower arm section190. A mounting assembly192couples the arm portion182to the monitor42. A handle194is coupled to a monitor support196. A shaft198is rotatably coupled to arm section190about axis200as illustrated by double-headed arrow202. Arm198is also coupled to support196for pivotable movement about axis204as illustrated by double-headed arrow206.

Many health care facilities include multiple OR suites in which the healthcare staff may wish to perform operations to be filmed or in which video images may be useful in facilitating the surgical operation. Often less than all of the OR suites will be utilized at the same time. Even if all OR suites are in use at the same time, often not all of the operations being simultaneously performed will need to be filmed or will require monitors providing images for the surgeon. Occasionally, surgical procedures will be performed that will require two cameras and only a single monitor or three monitors and no camera. Therefore, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a surgical theater system10includes either a multi-purpose arm648configured to removably receive a camera108, and/or a monitor42and44or a multi-purpose receptacle745configured to receive a camera arm790or a monitor arm748. As shown for example, inFIGS. 16 and 17, embodiments of the surgical theater system10are provided to facilitate reconfiguration of the surgical theater system10by adding or removing cameras108or monitors42and44from the assembly. In one of these embodiments, a multi-purpose arm648is provided configured to support either a monitor mount649or a camera mount647. In a second embodiment, a multi-purpose receptacle745is provided configured to support either a monitor arm748or a camera arm790. The multi-purpose arm648and the multi-purpose receptacle745each include a mechanical connector for mechanically coupling either a monitor mount649or a monitor arm748or a camera mount647or a camera arm790to the multi-purpose arm648or multipurpose receptacle745. Each multi-purpose arm648and multi-purpose receptacle745also includes one or more standard video couplings located adjacent the mechanical connector for attachment to the video lead coupled to a camera108and/or a monitor42and44.

Thus, a health care facility upon installation of a surgical theater system in accordance with the present invention is capable of reconfiguring the surgical theater system to provide as many monitors42and44, and cameras108, or combinations of monitors42and44, and cameras108as the apparatus has multi-purpose arms648or multi-purpose receptacles745. It is within the teaching of the disclosure for multi-purpose arms648and multi-purpose receptacles745to be configured to receive other device mounts and arms, such as, for example, surgical lighthead mounts and arms, respectively.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate two alternative embodiments of such a surgical theater system10, however, additional non-illustrated embodiments providing a single or a plurality of multi-purpose arms or receptacles or multi-purpose arms or receptacles providing for disconnection at different locations are within the scope of the invention as presently perceived. It is within the scope of the invention to provide a plurality of similarly configured surgical theater systems10throughout a healthcare facility between which monitors42and44and/or cameras108may be exchanged.

FIG. 16illustrates a first configurable surgical light apparatus having a pair of surgical light heads18,20coupled to a central hub12, and a pair of multi-purpose arms648coupled to pivot joints54on hub12. Surgical light support arms28include horizontally extending sections30and vertically extending sections32. Vertically extending arm sections32include upper and lower sections34and36so that the vertical sections32are rotatable about an axis38(shown in FIG.1). A counterbalanced arm40is pivotally coupled to vertical arm section32for supporting surgical lights18and20.

Monitors42and44and/or camera are coupled to multi-purpose hub646by multi-purpose arm assemblies648. Multi-purpose hub646is similar to connection hub46and identical or similar reference numerals will be used to identify identical and similar components. It is to be understood that the description of connection hub46set forth above is generally applicable to multi-purpose hub646. While multi-purpose hub646, illustrated in cross-section inFIG. 18, is illustrated as being used only with multi-purpose arm assembly648and multi-purpose receptacle745, multi-purpose hub646is adaptable for use with any of the illustrated surgical theater systems. Similarly, connection hub46is adaptable for use with any of the illustrated surgical theater system embodiments.

Multi-purpose hub646includes a slip ring assembly645configured for attachment to the lower end of shaft. Cable653extends internally through shaft430and is electrically coupled to a first end of slip ring assembly645. Illustratively, cable653includes twenty-eight wires which carry power, ground and video signals to or from two separate video devices. Two cables607are electrically coupled to second end of slip ring assembly640. Each cable607includes fourteen wires which carry power, ground and video signals to or from a single video devices. Slip ring assembly645includes 28 sets of slip rings to transfer the power, ground and video signals between the wires of cable653and cable607. Illustratively, slip ring assembly645is commercially available from AirFlite, as part number #100164-001.

Multi-purpose hub646includes a pair of diametrically opposed longitudinally extending holes603cast or machined in the main hub section47. Each longitudinal hole603intersects with a respective radially extending hole402to permit passage of cables603extending from second end of slip ring assembly645into lower pivot joint54and out of distal end of wire bore542of arm connection section502of top pivot joint122. Each cable607terminates in an electrical connector643configured for attachment to an arm cable coupled to a video device.

Each multi-purpose arm648is identical to the other and is very similar to monitor support arm assembly48. Thus, except where otherwise noted below, the description of monitor support arm assembly48above accurately describes multi-purpose arm648and will not be repeated. Components in multi-purpose arm648that are similar to corresponding components in monitor support arm assembly48will be identified with similar reference numerals.

Illustratively, a multi-purpose arm assembly648includes a bent arm or first segment having a horizontal arm section650and a vertical arm section652. Horizontal arm sections650are coupled to bottom pivot joints54which extend away from a main hub section47of connection hub646. Therefore, the horizontal arm sections650are pivotable about pivot axes56and58(shown inFIG. 1) which are spaced apart from the pivot axis26(shown inFIG. 1) of central hub12.

Vertical arm sections652of multi-purpose arm assemblies648illustratively include first and second sections660and662. The second vertical section or extension arm662is rotatable relative to the first vertical section660about axis64(Shown in FIG.1). Counterbalanced arms666are pivotally connected to second vertical section662by a pivot connection668located at the proximate end of counterbalanced arm666. A second pivot connection672is located at the distal end of counterbalanced arm666.

Multi-purpose arms648include a coupling651coupled to pivot connection672at the distal end of a counterbalanced arm section666of the multi-purpose arm648. A monitor42is shown mounted to the first multi-purpose arm648via a monitor mount649. A camera coupled to a camera mount647and a second monitor44coupled to a monitor mount649are shown disconnected from the second multi-purpose arm648. Camera mount647and both monitor mounts649are each provided with one half of a mechanical quick disconnect coupling655of a known type configured to connect to a second half of a mechanical quick disconnect coupling651mounted to pivot connection672on the distal end of counterbalanced arm section666of multi-purpose arm648.

Monitor mount649includes a horizontal arm670coupled to hub674. Hub674is coupled to first half of connector653. A vertical arm676is coupled to horizontal arm section670. A monitor mounting arm678has a first end rotatably coupled to a hub682of vertical arm676. A handle84is coupled to the first end of monitor mounting arm678. Illustratively duplicate toggle switch606is mounted to handle84. A second end of mounting arm678is coupled to a monitor support plate (not shown) mounted to monitor42and44. The description of the movement of monitor mounting arm assembly48set forth above accurately describes the movement of multi-purpose arm648when monitor mount649is coupled thereto and will not be repeated. Cables (not shown) run through monitor mount649to provide power and video signals to monitor42and44. These cables terminate in an electrical connector (not shown) located adjacent to mechanical coupling653for coupling cables of monitor mount649to a connector (not shown) located adjacent mechanical coupling651of multi-purpose arm.648. Electrical connectors facilitating the coupling of video equipment are well known in the art and are therefore not described.

Camera mount647includes a first half of a quick disconnect coupling655coupled to hub714. Camera mount647includes a camera mounting arm710rotatably mounted to coupling653by hub714. A pan/tilt mechanism housing711is coupled to mounting arm710and camera108. Housed in housing711are motors and mechanisms permitting remote panning and tilting of camera108. Camera108includes internal mechanisms, motors and controls to facilitate focus adjustment, zooming, iris adjustment, and white balance adjustment. Extending downwardly from camera hub711is handle713including on/off switch715electrically coupled to turn camera108on and off. In one preferred embodiment, handle713includes a longitudinal axis717. Handle713is mounted to camera hub711for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis717. Pivotal movement of handle713about longitudinal axis717actuates an actuator coupled to the zoom mechanism of the camera108. Preferably, handle713also includes an actuator (not shown) such as a button to adjust the focus of the camera108. It is within the teaching of the present invention for handle713to be a sterile handle so that a surgeon or other operating room personnel can turn the camera on and off during an operation. It is understood that any suitable camera108may be used.

Cables (not shown) run through camera mount647to provide power, pan, zoom, tilt, focus, white balance, and iris signals to, and video signals from camera108. These cables terminate in an electrical connector (not shown) located adjacent to mechanical coupling653for coupling cables of camera mount647to a connector (not shown) located adjacent mechanical coupling651of multi-purpose arm648.

Multi-purpose arm648is provided with radial holes to permit passage of cables containing thirty-two wires (not shown). Twenty of these thirty-two wires provide power, pan, zoom, tilt, focus, white balance, and iris signals to, and video signals from camera108, when camera mount647is attached to multi-purpose arm648. It should be understood that all cameras108attached to multi-purpose arm will not have mounts and mechanisms facilitating remote control of panning, zooming, tilting, white balancing, and iris adjustment. The remaining12wires provide power and video signals to a monitor42and44when a monitor42and44is attached to multi-purpose arm648.

It should be understood that multi-purpose arm648may be provided with standard brake mechanisms within counterbalanced arm section666to lock counterbalanced arm666at a location prior to removal of camera mount647or monitor mount649and replacement with another camera mount647or monitor mount649. Alternatively, quick disconnect coupling651may be provided with mechanisms prohibiting removal of a camera mount647or monitor mount649unless counterbalanced arm666is placed in its uppermost raised location as shown in FIG.16. Other mechanisms and methods of attachment and detachment of mounts647and649which inhibit a rapid movement of counterbalanced arm666to its uppermost raised location upon removal of a camera mount647or monitor mount649are within the scope of the invention as presently perceived.

It should be understood that monitor mount649and camera mount647may include ballast so that the weight of camera mount647and monitor mount649can be adjusted to a selected weight for which the counterbalanced arm666is calibrated. It is also within the teaching of this invention as presently perceived to provide counterbalanced arm666with calibration mechanisms to adjust counterbalanced arm666for proper operation when coupled to loads of different weights.

FIG. 17illustrates a second configurable surgical theater system10having a pair of surgical light heads18,20coupled to a central hub12, and a pair of multi-purpose receptacles745(only one of which is visible inFIG. 17) configured to be coupled at one end to a monitor arm748or a camera arm790and at the other end to a pivot joint54on hub12. Surgical light support arms28include horizontally extending sections30and vertically extending sections32. Vertically extending arm sections32include upper and lower sections34and36so that the vertical sections32are rotatable about an axis38(shown in FIG.1). A counterbalanced arm40is pivotally coupled to vertical arm section32for supporting surgical lights18and20.

Monitor42and/or camera108are coupled to multi-purpose hub646by a dedicated monitor arm748or a dedicated camera arm790respectively coupled to multi-purpose receptacle745. Each multi-purpose receptacle745is substantially identical to the other. Multi-purpose receptacles745include a coupling751at their distal ends and are coupled at their proximate ends for pivotal movement about pivot joint54.

A monitor42is shown mounted to the first multi-purpose receptacle745via a monitor arm748and a camera108coupled to a camera arm790is shown disconnected from the second multi-purpose receptacle745. It should be understood that a second monitor arm748could be coupled to second multi-purpose receptacle745to provide a surgical theater system with two monitors. Similarly, a second camera arm could be coupled to the first multi-purpose receptacle to provide a surgical theater system with two cameras. Camera arm790and monitor arm748are each provided with one half of a mechanical coupling753configured to connect to a second half of a mechanical coupling751mounted to multi-purpose receptacle745. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximate end of monitor arm648and camera arm790slide over the arm connection section502of top pivot joint122and are bolted thereto to provide mechanical connection. It will be understood that it is within the teaching of the disclosure to provide arm connection section502of top pivot joint122with one half a standard mechanical quick disconnect connection and to provide the proximate ends of monitor arm748and camera arm790with the other half of a standard mechanical quick disconnect section.

Monitor arm748is very similar to monitor support arm assembly48. Thus, except where otherwise noted below, the description of monitor support arm assembly48above accurately describes monitor arm748and will not be repeated. Components in monitor arm748that are similar to corresponding components in monitor support arm assembly48will be identified with similar reference numerals.

Referring toFIGS. 17,19, and20, a monitor arm748is illustrated. Illustratively, monitor arm748includes a bent arm or first segment having a horizontal arm section750and a vertical arm section752. Horizontal arm section750includes a first half of a mechanical coupling at its proximate end configured for coupling to a second half of a coupling751at distal end of multi-purpose receptacle745. As mentioned above, multi-purpose receptacle745is coupled at its proximate end to bottom pivot joints54which extend away from a main hub section47of connection hub46. Therefore, the horizontal arm sections750are pivotable about pivot axes56and58(shown inFIG. 1) which are spaced apart from the pivot axis26(shown inFIG. 1) of central hub12.

Vertical arm sections752of monitor arm748illustratively includes first and second sections760and762. The second vertical section or extension arm762is rotatable relative to the first vertical section760about axis64. Counterbalanced arms766are pivotally connected to second vertical section762by a pivot connection768located at the proximate end of counterbalanced arm766. A second pivot connection772is located at the distal end of counterbalanced arm766.

A horizontal arm770coupled by hub774to second pivot connection772of counterbalanced arm766. A vertical arm776is coupled to horizontal arm section770. A monitor mounting arm778has a first end rotatably coupled to a hub782of vertical arm776. A handle84is coupled to the first end of monitor mounting arm778. Illustratively duplicate toggle switch606is mounted to handle84. A second end of mounting arm778is coupled to a monitor support plate786mounted to monitor42.

The description of the movement of monitor mounting arm assembly48set forth above accurately describes the movement of monitor arm748and multi-purpose receptacle745when monitor arm748is coupled thereto and will not be repeated. Cables run through monitor arm748to provide power and video signals to monitor42, which illustratively include cable761, cable763, cable765, cable767. Illustratively, cable761terminates in an electrical connector759located adjacent to mechanical coupling753for coupling to connector643of cable607located adjacent mechanical coupling751of multi-purpose receptacle745. The other end of cable761is coupled to a first end of slip ring assembly769mounted frictionally mounted in lower arm62of vertical arm52adjacent to the point where lower arm is rotatably coupled to upper arm. Illustratively, slip ring assemblies769and771are available from Litton Systems, Inc., Blacksburg, Va., as part number AC6319. Such slip ring assemblies include 14 sets of slip rings allowing two power and twelve signals to be transferred between cables on opposite sides of rotating components.

The second end of slip ring assembly769is coupled to a first end of cable763which runs through lower arm762and counter balanced arm766. Second end of cable763is coupled to a first end of slip ring assembly771. Slip ring assembly771is frictionally mounted within hub774adjacent to the point where hub774is rotatably mounted to second pivot connection772of counterbalanced arm766. Second end of slip ring assembly771is electrically coupled to first end of cable765which extends through hub774, horizontal arm770, vertical arm776and hub772. The other end of cable765is coupled through switch606to one end of cable767. Cable767extends through monitor mounting arm778and terminates in a plurality of connectors773for coupling to a monitor.

Camera arm790is similar to camera mounting arm assembly90so similar reference numerals will be used for similar components. The major differences between camera arm790and camera arm mounting assembly90are the cables running through the camera arm790and camera mounting arm assembly90and the fact that the camera arm790includes couplings for mounting to multi-purpose receptacle745rather than being mounted to a separate camera hub94like camera mounting arm assembly90. Camera arm790also includes a mechanism housing811in which remotely operable pan/tilt motors and mechanisms are housed.

Camera arm790includes a horizontal arm section792having a proximate end including a first half of a mechanical coupling753configured to mate with second half of mechanical coupling751of multi-purpose receptacle745mounted to pivot joint54of hub646of central hub12. A vertical arm section796is coupled to distal end of horizontal arm section792. Vertical section796includes a first, upper section798and a second, lower arm section800rotatably coupled to arm section798about axis102(shown in FIG.1). A counterbalanced arm804is coupled to lower vertical section800by a pivot connection (not shown). Shaft812is pivotally connected to counterbalanced arm804by pivot connection816.

Camera mounting arm810is rotatably mounted on shaft812by hub814. A pan/tilt mechanism housing811is coupled to mounting arm810and camera108. Housed in housing811are motors and mechanisms permitting remote panning and tilting of camera108. Camera108includes internal mechanisms, motors and controls to facilitate focus adjustment, zooming, iris adjustment, and white balance adjustment. Extending downwardly from camera housing811is handle813including on/off switch815electrically coupled to turn camera108on and off. In one preferred embodiment, handle813includes a longitudinal axis817. Handle813is mounted to camera hub811for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis817. Pivotal movement of handle813about longitudinal axis817actuates an actuator (not shown) coupled to the zoom mechanism of the camera108. Preferably, handle813also includes an actuator (not shown) such as a button to adjust the focus of the camera108. It is within the teaching of the present invention for handle813to be a sterile handle so that a surgeon or other operating room personnel can turn the camera on and off during an operation. It is understood that any suitable camera108may be used.

Cables (not shown) run through camera arm790to provide power, pan, zoom, tilt, focus, white balance, and iris signals to, and video signals from camera108. These cables terminate in an electrical connector (not shown) located adjacent to mechanical coupling753for coupling cables of camera arm790to a connector (not shown) located adjacent mechanical coupling751of multi-purpose receptacle745. Slip rings of the type described with regard to monitor arm748facilitate rotation of components of camera arm790relative to each other.

Multi-purpose receptacle745is provided with radial holes to permit passage of cables therethrough for coupling to cables within camera arm. When the camera108and camera mount811may be remotely controlled, such cable contains fourteen wires (not shown). These wires provide power, pan, zoom, tilt, focus, white balance, and iris signals to, and video signals from camera108, when camera arm790is attached to multi-purpose receptacle745and an indicator signal to indicate whether the cable is carrying signals for a monitor or camera. It should be understood that all cameras108attached to camera arms will not have mounts and mechanisms facilitating remote control of panning, zooming, tilting, white balancing, and iris adjustment.

Referring toFIGS. 21-26, two embodiments of controls for a surgical theater system are shown. As will be explained in detail hereafter, a surgical theater system is provided with a video monitor mounted to an arm extending from the hub of the surgical theater system. The monitor is adapted to display images received from a plurality of video inputs coupled to a plurality of video devices. A controller is coupled between the plurality of video inputs and the monitor to control the image that is displayed on the monitor. The controller may include switches mounted away from, but coupled to, the surgical theater system hub and switches mounted to the monitor arm or the monitor for selecting the video input providing the image displayed by the monitor.

Controls facilitate selectively displaying images from a plurality of video devices592. Each of the embodiments includes a selector control panel585and636having an input control panel608and638and an output panel610. Each input control panel608and638includes a plurality of connectors586,588,590configured for coupling to a plurality of video devices592providing a video feed, selector buttons594,640,642for selecting which connector586,588,590is active, and indicator lights596,598,600indicating the active connector. Each output panel610includes a plurality of connectors616,618,620configured to be coupled to a monitor or video display device located remotely from the surgical theater system (not shown). Each embodiment allows a video feed from a camera108mounted to the surgical theater system10or a remote video device to be displayed on the monitors42and44of the surgical theater system or on remote monitors or video displays coupled to the output panel610.

In the preferred embodiment, shown, for example, inFIGS. 21-24, a remotely mounted selector control panel585includes a multi-channel input panel608, an output panel610, and monitor input selector panel595. The multi-channel input panel608is coupled to one or two monitors42and44coupled to the hub of the surgical theater system. In the illustrated embodiment, four channels581-584are provided through which video signals from a plurality of video devices592are transmitted.

As shown for example inFIGS. 21-24, selector device580includes a selector control panel585, a power supply622, and a switcher632. Selector control panel585includes a multi-channel input selector panel608having four channels, referred to hereinafter as channels1-4(581,582,583,584respectively). Each channel581-584includes three different types of video connectors, i.e. a y-c connector586(shown as squares in FIG.24), a composite connector588(shown as triangles in FIG.24), and an RGB connector590(shown as circles in FIG.24), to facilitate coupling a wide variety of video input devices592to each channel581-584. Each channel581-584includes a selector switch594permitting the user to select between available connectors586,588,590to designate an active connector providing the video feed for that channel.

When a video device592is plugged into one of the channels581-584, the connector of the video device592is coupled to the similarly configured connector586,588,590of the channel581-584, as shown, for example, in FIG.24. The appropriate connector586,588,590is selected as the active connector corresponding to the connector586,588,590to which the video device592is coupled by toggling of the selector switch594. Indicator lights596,598,600, such as LEDs, are provided adjacent to each connector586,588,590of each channel581-584. When a specific connector586,588,590is selected as the active connector, the indicator light596,598,600corresponding to that connector586,588,590is lit.

Because there are four channels581-584each having three connectors586,588,590, up to twelve video devices592can be coupled to the surgical theater system10although only one video device592per channel581-584will have its video feed available for display on a monitor42and44of the surgical theater system10at any time. While the illustrated embodiment, shows three inputs (each input corresponding to a connector586,588,590) per channel and four channels581-584in the system, it is within the scope of the disclosure as currently perceived to provide a selector system with fewer or more connectors or channels.

The illustrated selector control panel585may be located remotely from the surgical theater system10. It is within the teaching of the disclosure for the selector control panel585to be mounted to a wall of the OR suite, to a separate boom in the OR suite, to some other location remote from the surgical theater system10, or to the surgical theater system10. For purposes of this description, the selector control panel585will be described as being mounted to a wall of the OR suite at a location remote from the surgical theater system10. As previously described, remotely mounted controls for the surgical lights are often mounted to walls of surgical suites and it is within the teaching of this invention to mount the selector control panel585in the vicinity of the wall mounted light controls.

Monitor input selector panel595allows a user to choose one of the four channels581-584to be the active channel having its video feed displayed on a first or “A” monitor42of the surgical theater system10and to choose the same channel581-584, or another of the four channels581-584, as the active channel to have its video feed displayed on a second or “B” monitor44of the surgical theater system10. In the illustrated embodiment, monitor input selector panel595includes an “A” monitor selector sub-panel597and a “B” monitor selector sub-panel599. Each sub-panel597and599is provided with a selector button604and a channel selector LED array602including four LED's each of which is associated with one of the four channels581-584.

In the illustrated embodiment, pushing the selector switch604causes the active channel for the monitor associated with the sub-panel597and599to toggle through the available channels. The appropriate LED in the channel selector LED array602is illuminated to indicate the active channel for the sub-panel597and599. In the illustrated embodiment, channel1581is the active channel for the “A” monitor42as indicated by the illumination of the LED associated with channel1of the LED array602of sub-panel597and channel3583is the active channel for the “B” monitor44as indicated by the illumination of the LED associated with channel3of the LED array602of sub-panel599. Thus, similar or different images can be selected for viewing on each of the monitors42and44of a two monitor surgical theater system10.

In an embodiment of surgical theater system10, a duplicate selector switch606is located in the sterile handle84of each monitor42and44, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 24,16and17. This duplicate selector switch606allows a surgeon or some other operating room personnel to select which image is visible on the monitor42and44to which the handle84is attached without moving away from the monitor42and44. Pushing the duplicate switch606toggles through each available channel581-584to alter the active channel for the associated monitor42and44and induces the associated LED for the active channel of the LED array602to be illuminated on the associated sub-panel597and599.

As shown for example inFIGS. 23 and 24, selector control panel585also includes an output panel610allowing the images on any channel581-584to be provided to a remote monitor, VCR, printer, computer, or other device if desired. Included in the output panel610are an “A” monitor output sub-panel612and an input 1 auxiliary output sub-panel614. Each sub-panel612and614includes a plurality of connectors, illustrated as a y-c connector616, a composite connector618, and an RGB connector620.

The connectors616,618,620of the “A” monitor output sub-panel612are coupled to the video signal selected for the “A” monitor42allowing the same image to be displayed on a remote monitor as is being displayed on the “A” monitor42of the surgical theater system10. The “A” monitor42will usually be selected by the surgeon as the main monitor so that the “A” monitor output is used for another peripheral or remote monitor or support device. In the illustrated embodiment, the “A” monitor output sub-panel612includes three indicator lights626,628,630, such as LEDs, associated with connectors616,618,620respectively to indicate the type of signal which is being transmitted and therefore the active connector. If a slave monitor is coupled to the “A” monitor output sub-panel612, the slave is preferably coupled to all three output connectors616,618,620to guarantee that an image will always appear on the slave monitor.

Referring toFIG. 24, the connectors616,618,620of input 1 auxiliary output sub-panel614are shown to be a direct feed from the primary input 1 present on channel1581. Any device that is plugged into connectors586,588,590of channel1581will feed a signal directly to the connectors616,618,620respectively of auxiliary output sub-panel614. The output of sub-panel614can be used as an emergency output since it is a direct signal from the input panel608and doesn't travel through the arm system to the monitor. If anything fails in the monitor42and44or arm system, a signal is still available from the auxiliary output sub-panel614.

As shown inFIG. 24, power supply622to the surgical theater system, including the first monitor42and second monitor44, and the selector panel585is mounted in a ceiling box624. Power supply622is a low voltage medical grade power supply producing twelve volts. Illustratively, power supply622is made by International Power Sources, Inc., Holliston, Mass., 01746 as model #PM200-13C. A switcher632is also mounted in the ceiling box624. Switcher632is electrically coupled to first monitor42, second monitor44, duplicate switches606on the handle84of each monitor42and44, input panel608, wall selector control panel595, and “A” monitor output sub-panel612. Power to switcher632is supplied by power supply622. Video signals from the active input of each channel581-584are electrically coupled to switcher632through video bus634. As previously mentioned, the channel1input is directly coupled to the auxiliary output sub-panel614. Illustratively, inputs are available from four channels581-584, each of which may be coupled to as many as three input devices592. It is within the scope of the disclosure as presently perceived to configure each channel to receive as few as one video input or more than three video inputs.

In response to signals received from the wall selector control panel595and the toggle606on the handle84of each monitor42and44, switcher632selects from the video signals received from inputs and routes video signals to the “A” monitor42, “B” monitor44, and output sub-panel612. Output sub-panel612receives the same video feed as “A” monitor42. “B” monitor44may receive the same or a different video feed as “A” monitor42.

Portions of an alternative selector device636are shown inFIGS. 25 and 26. Selector device636includes an alternative dedicated input panel638and an output panel610. Output panel610of selector device636is substantially identical to output panel610of selector device580described above except for the connection of output sub-panel614. Nevertheless, identical reference numerals will be used in describing output panel610of selector device636as were used in describing output panel610of selector device580.

Input panel638includes three differently configured connectors (a y-c connector586, a composite connector588, and an RGB connector590), an “A” monitor selector button640, a “B” monitor selector button642and two sets of three indicator lights596,598,600associated with connector586,588,590. Actuation of “A” monitor selector button640selects one of the three connectors586,588,590as the active connector providing the video feed to “A” monitor42and “A” monitor output sub-panel612. Actuation of “A” monitor selector button640also induces the appropriate one of the three “A” monitor indicator lights596,598,600to indicate which connector586,588,590respectively is the active connector for “A” monitor42. Actuation of “B” monitor selector button642selects one of the three connectors586,588,590as the active connector providing the video feed to “B” monitor44. Actuation of “B” monitor selector button642also induces the appropriate one of the three “B” monitor indicator lights596,598,600to indicate which connector586,588,590respectively is the active connector for “B” monitor44.

Output panel610of selector device636includes “A” monitor output sub-panel612and Auxiliary output sub-panel614. “A” monitor output sub-panel612is identical to “A” monitor output sub-panel612of selection device580and receives the video feed being sent to “A” monitor42. Auxiliary output sub-panel614of selector device636is similar to channel1auxiliary output sub-panel614of selector device580in that it is directly coupled to the input panel638, however, auxiliary output sub-panel614may receive any video feed which is live. Auxiliary output panel sub-panel614includes an indicator light644, such as an LED to indicate that the system is powered on.

Both selector device580and selector device636are intended for use with a surgical theater system10including a first and second monitor42and44. Those skilled in the art will recognize that selector device636can be mounted in similar locations as selector device580and can be coupled to a surgical theater system10in a similar manner as is shown in FIG.24. Selector device636has fewer channels than selector device580. Because selector device636includes only one of each type of connector586,588,590, the number and type of video devices592which may be coupled to a surgical theater system10is more limited with selector device636than with selector device580. In the illustrated configuration, without an external splitter, only three remote video devices592, each having a different type of connector may be coupled to the monitors42and44of a surgical theater system10when selector device636is used.

Cameras are used in operating rooms as a means of networking with the rest of the world. The camera has now become the vehicle by which surgeons can consult with each other during live procedures. For certain surgical procedures it is not uncommon for surgeons to consult with each other from different parts of the world during a case (commonly referred to as ‘Telesurgery’). Thus although not specifically illustrated, many cameras used in surgical suites include or are coupled to microphones and speakers permitting audio as well as video signals to be recorded and transmitted. In teaching hospitals, clinical educators require interactive filming capabilities that can be controlled remotely from the classroom. Such procedures are either recorded for critique at a later date or simply observed ‘real time’ for teaching. Surgeons routinely record procedures and edit the content for presentation at a conference. More surgical procedures are being recorded for future reference should the outcome of the surgery be questioned.

As was explained above, camera108, camera arm790and camera mount647may include mechanisms and drives facilitating remote control of panning, zooming, tilting, white balancing, and iris adjustment. To facilitate remote operation of such a camera108and camera mount647attached to a multi-purpose arm648, camera arm790attached to a multi-purpose receptacle745, or any other properly wired arm attached to a surgical light apparatus, a camera wall control panel820as well as a wireless remote control822is provided, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 27 and 28. It is also envisioned, although not illustrated, that a wired remote control be provided to facilitate control of the camera108from a remote conference room. It will be understood that such a wired remote control will include a control panel having buttons similar to those illustrated in FIG.27. Camera108and its mounting mechanism may be manually positioned enabling the doctor to point the camera at the surgical sight. A pan/tilt mechanism711and811allows the camera to be remotely tilted up or down and panned left or right by after initial set up. To simplify the mounting mechanism and to take advantage of commonly available camera pan and tilt drives, it is envisioned that the degree of freedom of pan and tilt remotely controlled motion may be limited such as by plus or minus forty-five degree of the manually adjusted home position.

Each control panel820and remote control822is provided with an on/off button824and826, two pan buttons828and830, two tilt buttons832and834, a home position button836, a pause button838, two focus buttons840and842, two zoom buttons844and846, two iris buttons848and850, and either two white balance buttons852and854or a white balance set button856. As previously mentioned the surgeon or other OR personnel may manually adjust camera mount647or camera arm790to point camera108at an initial position, such as the surgical sight. If prior to manual adjustment, the mechanisms controlling the pan and tilt are adjusted to a central position half way between their limits of travel, such position being referred to herein as the home position, then actuation of the home button830causes the camera to return to pointing at the surgical sight (or any other initial position).

Each On/Off button824and826is coupled to a switch that controls the supply of power to the camera108. Each pan button828and830is coupled to a motor control circuit for controlling the motor which actuates panning of the camera108. When the pan left button828is actuated, the pan motor is controlled to induce the camera mount to rotate the field of view of the camera108to the left. When the pan right button830is actuated, the pan motor is controlled to induce the camera mount to rotate the field of view of the camera108to the right. Actuation of the tilt up button832controls the tilt motor to induce the field of view of the camera108to rotate upwardly. Actuation of the tilt down button834controls the tilt motor to induce the field of view of the camera108to rotate downwardly.

The two focus buttons840and842are coupled to internal motors of the camera108that control the position of the lens in order to adjust the focus of the camera108. Pushing the first focus button840induces the camera motor to move the lens in a first direction to adjust the focus and pushing the second focus button842induces the camera motor to move the lens in the opposite direction to adjust the focus.

Similarly, the two zoom buttons844and846are coupled to internal motors and mechanisms of the camera108which adjust the relative position of the compound lenses to increase or decrease the magnification of the compound lenses. Pushing the zoom in button844induces the camera motor to move the position of the compound lenses in a first direction to increase the effective magnification of the compound lenses and pushing the zoom out button846induces the camera motor to move the position of the compound lenses in the opposite direction to decrease the effective magnification of the compound lenses.

The iris buttons848and850are coupled to internal motors and mechanisms of the camera108which adjust the aperture diameter of the iris of the camera108. Pushing the aperture open button848induces the internal motors to increase the aperture diameter of the camera108while pushing the iris closed button850induces the internal motors to decrease the aperture diameter of the iris.

The white balance buttons852and854and white balance set button856are coupled to internal mechanisms of the camera108that increase and decrease the white balance of the video image produced by the camera108. Actuation of the white balance increase button852increases the white balance of the video image while actuation of the white balance decrease button854decreases the white balance of the video image. Actuation of the white balance set button856induces internal controls to automatically set the white balance to a desired setting.

Each of the buttons with evenly numbered reference numerals between824-856are referred to above as being coupled to a motor or mechanism of the camera108or camera mount. This coupling occurs through hard wire connections in the case of camera wall control panel820or a hard wired suite remote (not shown). In the case of a wireless remote control822, the remote includes a transmitter that transmits appropriate signals to a receiver that is hardwired to the camera108and camera mount. It is envisioned that transmission may be by RF, UV, IR, optical or other types of signals commonly used to remotely transmit signals and data. Preferably such signals will be conducive to use in a health care environment to avoid interference with other healthcare equipment.

When a camera108is mounted by a camera mount647to a multi-purpose arm648, by a camera arm790to a multi-purpose receptacle745, or by a camera mounting arm assembly90, integration of the camera108with the selector controls580,636may occur in several ways. One method is to hard wire the wires carrying the video signal from the camera108into the monitor control panel585and636primary input of the RGB signal (coupled to connector590). When hard wired, a blank RGB plug labeled “Camera” is permanently fastened into the RGB input connector590to the monitor control panel585and636to indicate that this input is always the camera108. A second alternative is to couple the video output of the camera108to an output plate (not shown), mount the camera output plate including a video connector adjacent to the monitor control panel585and636and provide a pigtail connector to couple the video output of the camera108to the monitor control panel585and636. When it is envisioned that cameras and monitors may be moved between surgical light assemblies located in different OR suites, it is preferable that the camera video output be integrated by the same method in all of the suites for system integrity.

Referring toFIG. 29there is shown an alternative camera control panel920. Camera control panel is similar to control panel820shown inFIG. 22except panel920includes additional buttons not included in panel820to facilitate freezing and image and printing the frozen image and facilitating volume adjustment and muting of audio functions. Buttons of control panel920which function identically as buttons of control panels820and822will be identified with the same reference numerals and will not be further described hereafter, it being understood that the description above of those buttons with regard to control panels820and822are likewise applicable to control panel920.

In addition to the buttons described above with regard to remote controls820and822, control panel920includes print button858, volume increase button860, volume decrease button862, and mute button864. The output panels each include at least one RGB connector620to facilitate attaching a printer or a computer including a printer to the surgical theater system10. Pressing pause button838causes the video image from the camera to be frozen. Subsequently pressing the print button causes a signal to be sent to the printer to cause the frozen image to be printed. When the volume increase button860is actuated, a volume controller (not shown) to a speaker (not shown) is actuated to increase the volume of the output of the speaker. When the volume decrease button860is actuated, a volume controller (not shown) to a speaker (not shown) is actuated to decrease the volume of the output of the speaker. When the mute button864is actuated, the output of the speaker is muted.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present invention as described and defined in the following claims.