Patent Description:
Medical device suspension systems or carry systems are used in health treatment settings such as hospital examination rooms, clinics, surgery rooms and emergency rooms. These systems may suspend or support any variety of medical devices or components including surgical lights, supply consoles, patient monitors, camera detector heads, medical instruments, ventilator systems, suction devices, among others. The systems typically include a shaft or support spindle that is suspended from the ceiling or mounted to a wall or stand, and one or more generally horizontal extension arms mounted for rotational movement about the shaft. Each extension arm typically has a hub at its proximal end mounted to the shaft for pivotable movement about the shaft, and a support at its distal end for supporting a medical device. The extension arm can be rotatably adjusted about the shaft to a desired angular position to provide appropriate access to medical devices and components associated with the arm.

<CIT> relates to a medical device support system including a central shaft, an extension arm, and a brake assembly. The extension arm has a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the central shaft for pivotable movement about the central shaft. The brake assembly is secured in the hub for rotation therewith and includes first and second backing portions and first and second liners supported by the backing portions. At least the first liner is supported by the first backing portion by the first liner being snap-fitted to the first backing portion. The brake assembly includes an actuator configured to flex the first and second backing portions to urge the first and second liners toward and away from each other to respectively increase and decrease a frictional braking force to the central shaft.

It is desirable to limit the rotation of the extension arm about the shaft for example to prevent collision of medical devices at the distal ends of the arms, or to prevent undue strain on electrical or communication lines passing through the shaft and the extension arm. In most current support systems, the extension arm is equipped with a fixed feature in the hub that contacts a fixed feature on the shaft that prevents further rotation.

For rotational control mechanisms in some medical device suspension systems or carry systems, there remain various shortcomings, drawbacks, and disadvantages relative to certain applications. For example, in some systems the rotational control mechanism limits rotation of the extension arm to below <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees), which may limit options for some installations. Other rotational control mechanisms require multiple stacked components, which increase the volumetric footprint of the mechanisms and complicates their integration into the hub of the extension arm.

Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

The application relates to a rotational control mechanism for a medical device support system, in which the rotational control mechanism enables at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation of the extension arm about the shaft, and also embodies fewer components and a smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained, thus simplifying and adding efficiency to the factory assembly and field service of the medical device support system.

According to one aspect of the invention, a medical device support system includes a shaft, an extension arm, a guide channel member, and a floating stop. The extension arm may have a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the shaft for pivotable movement about a rotation axis of the shaft. The guide channel member may be fixed to the shaft. The guide channel member may include an elongated cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite ends of the cavity. The floating stop may be movable within the elongated cavity of the guide channel member and movable relative to the hub. The hub may be pivotably mounted for a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation about the rotation axis, wherein the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range is based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range, wherein the first rotation range is defined by a fixed stop of the hub configured to move between first and second contact faces of a radially outer portion of the floating stop, wherein the second rotation range is defined by a radially inner portion of the floating stop configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

The invention may include one or more of the following additional features separately or in combination.

The guide channel member may include a rotation boundary member that is fixed to the shaft, the rotation boundary member defining as boundaries the first and second contact faces at opposite ends of the cavity.

The rotation boundary member may include a ring shape structure and the ring shape structure may be fixed to the shaft.

The elongated cavity may have an arc shape.

The guide channel member may include a lower guide wall for axially supporting the floating stop.

The guide channel member may include an arc shape track and the floating stop may include an arc shape groove, wherein the arc shape groove slidably receives the arc shape track to angularly guide the floating stop within the elongated cavity and about the rotation axis.

The floating stop may be configured to prevent rotation of the hub about the rotation axis beyond the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range.

The hub may be pivotably mounted for at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation from a first stop to a second stop and vice versa, wherein the first stop limits counterclockwise rotation of the hub about the rotation axis and the second stop limits clockwise rotation of the hub about the rotation axis.

The first stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the first contact face of the radially outer portion of the floating stop, and the radially inner portion of the floating stop in engagement with the first contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

The second stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the second contact face of the radially outer portion of the floating stop, and the radially inner portion of the floating stop in engagement with the second contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

The radially outer portion of the floating stop and the radially inner portion of the floating stop may lie in the same plane and the plane may be perpendicular to the rotation axis.

The fixed stop of the hub and the radially inner portion of the floating stop may lie in the same plane and the plane may be perpendicular to the rotation axis.

The radially outer portion of the floating stop may include a tab, and the first and second contact faces of the radially outer portion of the floating stop may be on opposite peripheral sides of the tab.

The radially inner portion of the floating stop may have first and second contact faces on opposite sides thereof, and the second rotation range may be defined by movement of the radially inner portion between a location at which the first contact face of the radially inner portion engages the first contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member and a location at which the second contact face of the radially inner portion engages the second contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

The shaft may have an axial hollow and a radial aperture and the ring shape structure may be fixed to the shaft at a position to allow passage of electrical and communication lines through the axial hollow, through the ring shape structure, through the radial aperture, and into a longitudinally extending cavity in the extension arm.

The hub of the extension arm may include upper and lower pivot bearings configured to pivotably engage the hub with the shaft, and a radial opening positioned axially between the upper and lower pivot bearings, and the ring shape structure may be positioned to allow passage of the electrical and communication lines between the upper and lower pivot bearings, through the radial opening of the hub, and into the longitudinally extending cavity in the extension arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, a medical device support system includes a shaft, an extension arm, a guide channel member, and a floating stop. The extension arm may have a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the shaft for pivotable movement about a rotation axis of the shaft. The guide channel member may be fixed to the shaft. The guide channel member may include an elongated cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite ends of the cavity. The floating stop may be movable within the elongated cavity of the guide channel member and movable relative to the hub. The hub may be pivotably mounted for a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation about the rotation axis from a first stop to a second stop and vice versa, wherein the first stop limits counterclockwise rotation of the hub about the rotation axis and the second stop limits clockwise rotation of the hub about the rotation axis, wherein the first stop includes a radially inner portion of the floating stop in engagement with the first contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member, and wherein the second stop includes the radially inner portion of the floating stop in engagement with the second contact face of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

The first stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the first contact face of the radially outer portion of the floating stop, and the second stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the second contact face of the radially outer portion of the floating stop.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of rotating an extension arm about a shaft of a medical device support system, the extension arm having a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the shaft for pivotable movement about a rotation axis of the shaft, wherein a guide channel member is fixed to the shaft, wherein the guide channel member includes an elongated cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite ends of the cavity, wherein a floating stop is movable within the elongated cavity of the guide channel member and movable relative to the hub, the method including rotating the hub over a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) about the rotation axis, wherein the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range is based on a compound of movement over a first rotation range and movement over a second rotation range, wherein movement over the first rotation range includes moving a fixed stop of the hub between first and second contact faces of a radially outer portion of the floating stop, and wherein movement over the second rotation range includes moving a radially inner portion of the floating stop between the first and second contact faces of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.

While the present invention can take many different forms, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

<FIG> show a medical device support system <NUM> that includes a shaft <NUM>, at least one extension arm <NUM> having a support <NUM> for a medical device <NUM> and a hub <NUM> at its proximal end mounted to the shaft <NUM> for pivotable movement about a rotation axis A-A of the shaft <NUM>, and a rotational control mechanism <NUM> integrated into the hub <NUM> for controlling the amount of rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the shaft <NUM>. The rotational control mechanism <NUM> includes a guide channel member <NUM>, a fixed stop <NUM> connected to a wall of the hub <NUM>, and a floating stop <NUM> having a radially outer portion <NUM> and a radially inner portion <NUM>, the radially inner portion <NUM> being relatively closer to the rotation axis A-A than the radially outer portion <NUM>. The guide channel member <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment includes a rotation boundary member <NUM> that is fixed to the shaft <NUM>. The guide channel member <NUM> includes an elongated cavity <NUM> that defines first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite ends of the cavity <NUM>. The floating stop <NUM> is movable within the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM> and movable relative to the hub <NUM>. The hub <NUM> is pivotably mounted for a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation about the rotation axis A-A, wherein the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range is based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range. The first rotation range is defined by the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> configured to move between first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>. The second rotation range is defined by the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> configured to move between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the illustrative medical device support system <NUM> is a suspension type carrying support system for use in a hospital examination room, a clinic, a surgery room, an emergency room, among others. The shaft <NUM> extends along an axis A-A, which also represents the rotation axis A-A of the shaft <NUM> about which the extension arm <NUM> pivots. The shaft <NUM> may be fixed to a ceiling support <NUM> to remain stationary relative to the ceiling. It will be appreciated, of course, that the medical device support system <NUM> may have any suitable suspension or carrying structure and that the shaft <NUM> may be attached to a ceiling as shown, or to a wall, floor, movable cart, or a combination of the foregoing. The shaft <NUM> of the medical device support system <NUM> has a cylindrical shape in axial cross section and defines an axial hollow <NUM> and radial aperture <NUM> therein, and extends vertically downward from the ceiling support <NUM>. A column section <NUM> surrounds an upper portion of the shaft <NUM>. The axial hollow <NUM> and the column section <NUM> house upper portions of accessory and service lines such as power cables for surgical lights and other power requirements, control wiring for control electronics, optical fibers for data communication, and/or tubing for irrigation, suction, etc. A plurality of extension arms <NUM>, three in the illustrative embodiment, are mounted for rotatable movement to the shaft <NUM> and extend laterally outward from the shaft <NUM>. In the <FIG> embodiment, the extension arms <NUM> extend horizontally, or perpendicularly, relative to the shaft <NUM>. An additional extension arm <NUM>, support arm <NUM>, and medical device <NUM> may be pivotably mounted to a separate central shaft <NUM> radially offset from the central shaft <NUM>.

The hub <NUM> is located at the proximal end of the extension arm <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, to aid in the pivotable movement of the extension arm <NUM> about the shaft <NUM>, each extension arm hub <NUM> may include upper and lower bearing mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, that house respective upper and lower pivot bearings mounted to the shaft <NUM>. Any suitable pivot bearings may be used to enable the relative rotational movement between the extension arm <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>, including for example ball bearings, sleeve bearings, bushings, rotary joints and/or swivel joints. A brake assembly <NUM> may be secured in the hub <NUM> for rotation therewith to selectively increase and decrease a frictional braking force to the shaft <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the brake assembly <NUM> is positioned below the upper bearing <NUM> and above the guide channel member <NUM> or the rotation boundary member <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>. Each hub <NUM> provides a radial opening <NUM> positioned axially between the upper and lower pivot bearings <NUM>, <NUM> for routing accessory and service lines from the axial hollow <NUM> and/or the upper column section <NUM> through the radial aperture <NUM> and to a longitudinally extending cavity <NUM> of the extension arm <NUM>, and/or vice versa. Each hub <NUM> is also provided with an access opening <NUM> to enable access to the shaft <NUM>, the rotational control mechanism <NUM>, the upper and lower pivot bearings <NUM>, <NUM>, the brake assembly <NUM>, accessory and service lines, and/or other components within the hub <NUM>. A suitable brake assembly <NUM> and access opening <NUM> for the illustrative embodiment are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which show greater detail of the rotational control mechanism <NUM>. The rotational control mechanism <NUM> is made up of a combination of components from the hub <NUM> of the extension arm <NUM>, the guide channel member <NUM>, and the floating stop <NUM>. The hub <NUM> includes the fixed stop <NUM>. The floating stop <NUM> includes the radially outer portion <NUM> and the radially inner portion <NUM>. The guide channel member <NUM> includes an elongated cavity <NUM>. In <FIG>, it can be seen that the extension arm <NUM> and its hub <NUM> and the fixed stop <NUM> of the rotational control mechanism <NUM> are movable relative to the shaft <NUM>. As is also apparent from <FIG>, the floating stop <NUM> including its radially outer and inner portions <NUM>, <NUM>, is movable within the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel mechanism <NUM> and movable relative to the hub <NUM> and the fixed stop <NUM>.

Each of the components of the rotational control mechanism <NUM> provides contact faces, that is, faces for abutting engagement, to control the amount of rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A of the shaft <NUM>. The fixed stop <NUM> has first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral ends of the fixed stop <NUM>. The radially outer portion <NUM> has first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral ends of the radially outer portion <NUM>. The radially inner portion <NUM> has first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral ends of the radially inner portion <NUM>. The elongated cavity <NUM> defines first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite ends of the cavity <NUM>. In this way, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> embodies fewer components and a smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained and simplifies and adds efficiency to the factory assembly and field service of the medical device support system <NUM>.

The floating stop <NUM> is configured to prevent rotation of the hub <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A beyond the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range. The hub <NUM> is pivotably mounted for at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation from a first stop shown in <FIG> to a second stop shown in <FIG>, and vice versa. As shown in <FIG>, the first stop limits counterclockwise rotation of the hub <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A. Thus, the first stop defines the most counterclockwise rotation the hub <NUM> and thus the extension arm <NUM> obtain about the shaft <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first stop, or most counterclockwise rotation of the extension arm <NUM>, positions the extension arm <NUM> at <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) relative to a horizontal line across the page. As shown in <FIG>, the second stop limits clockwise rotation of the hub <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A. Thus, the second stop defines the most clockwise rotation the hub <NUM> and associated extension arm <NUM> obtain about the shaft <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second stop, or most clockwise rotation of the extension arm <NUM>, positions the extension arm <NUM> at <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) relative to the horizontal line across the page. As is apparent from <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotation of the extension arm <NUM> and its hub <NUM> about the shaft <NUM> is <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees), which, going from <FIG>, is <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees).

Two abutting engagements form the first or most counterclockwise stop and two abutting engagements form the second or most clockwise stop. Referring to <FIG>, the first stop includes the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> in engagement with the first contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, and the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> in engagement with the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the second stop includes the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> in engagement with the second contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, and the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> in engagement with the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>.

The rotational control mechanism <NUM> facilitates the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range. As previously noted, the first rotation range is defined by the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> being configured to move between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the angular span between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the fixed stop <NUM> is about <NUM>-degrees. The radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> has an angular span of about <NUM>-degrees between its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, and assuming that the floating stop <NUM> remains idle with rotation of the hub <NUM>, the first rotation range is defined by movement of the fixed stop <NUM> between a location shown in <FIG> at which the first contact face <NUM> of the fixed stop <NUM> engages the first contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> and a location at which the second contact face <NUM> of the fixed stop <NUM> engages the second contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>. In other words, and again with reference to <FIG> and assuming the floating stop <NUM> remains stationary, the first rotation range is defined by the fixed stop <NUM> moving from the position shown in <FIG> where the first contact face <NUM> abuttingly engages the first contact face <NUM>, to a position where the second contact face <NUM> abuttingly engages the second contact face <NUM>; that is, in <FIG>, the fixed stop <NUM> moves from the first contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> (or right side thereof in <FIG>) clockwise to the second contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> (or left side thereof in <FIG>). In the <FIG> embodiment, the first rotation range of the rotational control mechanism <NUM> is approximately <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) (<NUM> minus <NUM> minus <NUM>).

The second rotation range is defined by the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> being configured to move between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the angular span between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> is about <NUM>-degrees. The radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> has an angular span of about <NUM>-degrees between its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, it is assumed that the hub <NUM> has rotated clockwise the first rotation range, that is, the second contact face <NUM> of the fixed stop <NUM> is in abutting engagement with the second contact face <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, and thus continued clockwise rotation of the hub <NUM> causes the hub <NUM> and floating stop <NUM> to rotate together clockwise in unison. The second rotation range is defined by movement of the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> between a location at which the first contact face <NUM> of the radially inner portion <NUM> engages the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM> and a location shown in <FIG> at which the second contact face <NUM> of the radially inner portion <NUM> engages the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>. In other words, and again with reference to <FIG> and assuming the second contact face <NUM> is in abutting engagement with the second contact face <NUM>, the second rotation range is defined by the radially inner portion <NUM> moving from the position shown in <FIG> where the first contact face <NUM> abuttingly engages the first contact face <NUM>, to a position where the second contact face <NUM> abuttingly engages the second contact face <NUM>; that is, in <FIG>, the radially inner portion <NUM> moves from the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> clockwise to the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM>. In the <FIG> embodiment, the second rotation range of the rotational control mechanism <NUM> is approximately <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) (<NUM> minus <NUM>).

As will be appreciated, in operation the first and second rotation ranges usually will not be completed in serial fashion but rather at least partially in parallel fashion. This is illustrated in <FIG>, for example, where the hub <NUM>, relative to the <FIG> position, has been rotated clockwise about the shaft <NUM> about <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) to a position at which the fixed stop <NUM> has reached <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) from the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, that is, the middle of the first rotation range, and the radially inner portion <NUM> has reached the middle of the elongated cavity <NUM>, that is, the middle of the second rotation range. It will be appreciated that the movement of the fixed stop <NUM> between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM>, and the movement of the radially inner portion <NUM> between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM>, will vary depending on the friction between the respective rotating sliding surfaces of the guide channel member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the floating stop <NUM>. Thus, while <FIG> shows the start of the first and second rotation ranges, and <FIG> shows the completion of the first and second rotation ranges, what occurs between the start and completion of the first and second rotation ranges will depend on the friction between the rotating sliding surfaces.

It will be appreciated that the rotational control mechanism <NUM> can provide a greater than <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range by adjusting any of its components, for the example the width (angular span) of any of the elongated cavity <NUM>, the fixed stop <NUM>, the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, and/or the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>. As an example, in the case where the fixed stop <NUM> is <NUM>° (<NUM> degree) smaller in width in <FIG>, then in <FIG>, the first stop, or most counterclockwise rotation of the extension arm <NUM>, positions the extension arm <NUM> at <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) relative to a horizontal line across the page, and in <FIG>, the second stop, or most clockwise rotation of the extension arm <NUM>, positions the extension arm <NUM> at <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) relative to the horizontal line across the page. The total rotation of the extension arm <NUM> and its hub <NUM> about the shaft <NUM> is then <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees), where the first rotation range is <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) (<NUM> minus <NUM> minus <NUM>) and the second rotation range is <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) (<NUM> minus <NUM>).

In exemplary embodiments, the angular span between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., width of fixed stop <NUM>) may be in a range from about <NUM>-degree to about <NUM>-degrees, even more particularly between <NUM>-degree and <NUM>-degrees, such as about <NUM>-degrees in the illustrated embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> may have an angular span in a range from about <NUM>-degree to about <NUM>-degrees, even more particularly between <NUM>-degree and <NUM>-degrees, such as about <NUM>-degrees in the illustrated embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, the elongated cavity <NUM> forms an arcuate segment defined by an angular span between the opposite first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> that may be in a range from about <NUM>-degree to about <NUM>-degrees, and even more particularly from about <NUM>-degrees to about <NUM>-degrees, such as about <NUM>-degrees in the illustrated embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> may have an angular span in a range from about <NUM>-degree to about <NUM>-degrees, even more particularly between <NUM>-degree and <NUM>-degrees, such as about <NUM>-degrees in the illustrated embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, the at least <NUM>-degrees range provided by the rotational control mechanism <NUM> may be in a range from <NUM>-degrees to less than <NUM>-degrees, more particularly from <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, and even more particularly from <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, such as about <NUM>-degrees in the illustrated embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> show greater detail of the guide channel member <NUM> and the floating stop <NUM> of the rotation control mechanism <NUM>. The guide channel member <NUM> includes the rotation boundary member <NUM>, an upper guide member <NUM>, and a lower guide member <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the rotation boundary member <NUM> includes a ring shape structure wherein the inner diameter of the ring shape structure is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the shaft <NUM> to enable the rotation boundary member <NUM> to be slid axially onto the shaft <NUM> during assembly. The central axis of the ring shape structure coincides with the rotation axis A-A. The rotation boundary member <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM> by four fasteners <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the fasteners <NUM> are socket set screws. The fasteners <NUM> are threaded into respective threaded openings <NUM> in the rotation boundary member <NUM> and into respective blind holes <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the centerlines of the fasteners <NUM>, the threaded openings <NUM>, and the blind holes <NUM> protrude radially from and perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. When the fasteners <NUM> are tightened, the guide channel member <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM> and, as shown in <FIG>, the tops of the fasteners <NUM> are below the outer radius of the ring shape structure. As such, the tops of the fasteners <NUM> will not interfere with the fixed stop <NUM> during rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A.

The fasteners <NUM> and the threaded openings <NUM> are positioned angularly outside of the arcuate span of the elongated cavity <NUM>, and angularly outside of the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the quantity and location of the fasteners <NUM> and the threaded openings <NUM> need not be limited as such, and other embodiments are contemplated. Any number of fasteners <NUM> may be used so long as the rotation boundary member <NUM> is securely fastened to the shaft <NUM>. For example, three fasteners <NUM> and three threaded openings <NUM> may be used, where two are located adjacent to the respective opposite sides of the elongated cavity <NUM> and angularly outside of the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> and one is located diametrically opposite the angular center of the elongated cavity <NUM>. In this case, the shaft <NUM> would have three blind holes <NUM> to accommodate the corresponding three fasteners <NUM>. As another example, the fasteners <NUM>, or even a single fastener <NUM>, and a corresponding threaded opening or openings <NUM> in the rotation boundary member <NUM>, may be located within the arcuate span of the elongated cavity <NUM>, that is, between the opposite first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM>. In this case, the threaded openings <NUM> may be in the arc shape wall of the cavity <NUM> for example. When the fasteners <NUM> are tightened, the guide channel member <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM> and the tops of the fasteners <NUM> are below the outer radius of the arc shape wall such that the tops of the fasteners <NUM> will not interfere with the movement of the floating stop <NUM> within the elongated cavity <NUM> during rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A.

In the illustrative embodiment, the rotation boundary member <NUM> includes a ring shape structure. Other shape structures may be suitable and are contemplated. For example, the rotation boundary member <NUM> may instead include an arc shape structure wherein the inner radius of the arc shape structure is slightly greater than the outer radius of the shaft <NUM> to enable the rotation boundary member <NUM> to be snugly fitted on the shaft <NUM> during assembly. Such arc shape structure would have an arcuate span sized to provide the elongated cavity <NUM> and the two fasteners <NUM> located adjacent to the respective opposite sides of the elongated cavity <NUM> and angularly outside of the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM>, in which case the shaft <NUM> would have two corresponding blind holes <NUM> to accommodate the two fasteners <NUM>.

The upper guide member <NUM> and the lower guide member <NUM> are mounted to the rotation boundary member <NUM> by respective upper and lower fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> are socket flat head cap screws. The upper fasteners <NUM> are inserted through through hole openings <NUM> in the upper guide member <NUM> and threaded into respective threaded openings <NUM> in the rotation boundary member <NUM>. Similarly, the lower fasteners <NUM> are inserted through through hole openings <NUM> in the lower guide member <NUM> and threaded into respective threaded openings <NUM> in the rotation boundary member <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the centerlines of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, the through hole openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and the threaded openings <NUM>, <NUM> extend axially and are parallel to the rotation axis A-A. When the upper fasteners <NUM> are tightened, the upper guide member <NUM> is secured to the rotation boundary member <NUM> and the tops of the flat heads of the upper fasteners <NUM> are substantially flush with or slightly below the upper surface of the upper guide member <NUM>. Similarly, when the lower fasteners <NUM> are tightened, the lower guide member <NUM> is secured to the rotation boundary member <NUM> and the tops of the flat heads of the lower fasteners <NUM> are substantially flush with or slightly below the lower surface of the lower guide member <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> add relatively little height to the guide channel member <NUM>, thereby contributing to the rotational control mechanism <NUM> having a relatively smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, the through hole openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and the threaded openings <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned angularly outside of the arcuate span of the elongated cavity <NUM>, and angularly inside of the fasteners <NUM> and threaded openings <NUM> used for securing the rotation boundary member <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> have an identical geometry for economy of manufacture. As such, the upper guide member <NUM> and the upper fasteners <NUM> are staggered angularly relative to the lower guide member <NUM> and the lower fasteners <NUM>, in the illustrative embodiment approximately <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees). As will be appreciated, the quantity and location of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, the through hole openings <NUM>, <NUM> and the threaded openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be different from that illustrated, and other embodiments are contemplated. Any number of fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> may be used so long as the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> are securely fastened to the rotation boundary member <NUM>. For example, a single fastener may be used to secure the upper guide member <NUM> to the rotation boundary member <NUM>, and a single fastener may be used to secure the lower guide member <NUM> to the rotation boundary member <NUM>, where the guide members <NUM>, <NUM> are provided with projections and/or recesses that engage respective recesses and/or projections in the rotation boundary member <NUM> to prevent movement therebetween. Also, the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, the through hole openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and the threaded openings <NUM>, <NUM> may instead be positioned angularly outside of the fasteners <NUM> and the threaded openings <NUM> used for securing the rotation boundary member <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>; in this way, the fasteners <NUM> and the threaded openings <NUM>, as well as the blind holes <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>, may be evenly spaced, i.e. equally angularly spaced, about the rotation axis A-A. It will further be appreciated that the upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> may have different geometries and different corresponding locations for the through hole openings <NUM>, <NUM> to accommodate the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>.

The upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> support, retain, and guide the floating stop <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper guide member <NUM> includes an upper arc shape wall <NUM> and an upper arc shape track <NUM> projecting downwardly from the upper arc shape wall <NUM>. The lower guide member <NUM> includes a lower arc shape wall <NUM> and a lower arc shape track <NUM> projecting upwardly from the lower arc shape wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the floating stop <NUM> has an arc shape and includes upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM> in respective upper and lower surfaces of the floating stop <NUM>. The floating stop <NUM> has an inner radius that is a first radial distance from the rotation axis A-A and an outer radius that is a second radial distance from the rotation axis A-A. The upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are located a radial distance from the rotation axis A-A that is greater than the first radial distance and less than the second radial distance. As shown in <FIG>, the upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned at substantially the same radial distance from the rotation axis A-A as the respective upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM>.

Together, the rotation boundary member <NUM>, the upper and lower arc shape walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> form the guide channel member <NUM> within which the floating stop <NUM> moves. The rotation boundary member <NUM> has an arc shape cut out that forms the elongated cavity <NUM>, the opposite ends of the arc shape cut out providing the boundaries that form the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite ends of the cavity <NUM>. The arc shape cut out has an arc shape wall that is located a radial distance from the rotation axis A-A that is slightly less than the first radial distance that the inner radius of the floating stop <NUM> is located from the rotation axis A-A, this enables the inner radius of the floating stop <NUM> to slidably and/or freely move relative to the arc shape wall of the arc shape cut out during movement of the floating stop <NUM> within the elongated cavity <NUM> formed by the arc shape cut out. The upper and lower arc shape walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective upper and lower guide members <NUM>, <NUM> axially support the floating stop <NUM>. The lower arc shape wall <NUM> axially supports the floating stop <NUM> to prevent axially downward movement of the floating stop <NUM> due to for example gravitational forces or incidental downward forces exhibited by the floating stop <NUM> during movement within the elongated cavity <NUM>. The upper arc shape guide wall <NUM> axially supports the floating stop <NUM> to prevent axially upward movement of the floating stop <NUM> due to for example incidental upward forces exhibited by the floating stop <NUM> during movement within the elongated cavity <NUM>. The upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> slidably receive the respective upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> to radially retain the floating stop <NUM> and to angularly guide the floating stop <NUM> within the elongated cavity <NUM> and about the rotation axis A-A.

The floating stop <NUM> includes the afore described radially outer portion <NUM> and radially inner portion <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the radially outer portion <NUM> is located radially outward from the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. The radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> is located radially inward from the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. As described above, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> can provide a greater than <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range by adjusting the width (angular span) of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, and/or the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>. In one form, the angular span of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, i.e. the portion of the floating stop <NUM> radially outward from the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, may be made relatively smaller than what is shown in the illustrative embodiment. In another form, the angular span of the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM>, i.e. the portion of the floating stop <NUM> radially inward from the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower arc shape grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, may be made relatively smaller than what is shown in the illustrative embodiment.

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments the upper guide member <NUM> may be omitted, for example where upward forces exhibited by the floating stop <NUM> during movement within the elongated cavity <NUM> do not cause the floating stop <NUM> to shift and/or bind within the elongated cavity <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the amount of radially inward protrusion of the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> relative to the outer radius of the guide channel member <NUM>, or relative to the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, is such that the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially inner portion <NUM> are at the same radial distance from the rotation axis A-A (or on the same circumference) as the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM>, and thus in operation abuttingly engage the respective first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show greater detail of the fixed stop <NUM> of the rotational control mechanism <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the fixed stop <NUM> is formed as part of the hub structure of the hub <NUM> and includes a block <NUM> with beveled edges forming the respective first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral sides of the block <NUM>. The block <NUM>, or fixed stop <NUM>, protrudes axially downward from the hub structure that houses the brake assembly <NUM>, which positions the fixed stop <NUM> and its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at the same axial location as the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> and its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the fixed stop <NUM> need not be formed as part of the hub structure of the hub <NUM> and may instead be a separate block that is attached to the hub structure.

Referring now to <FIG>, the amount of radially outward protrusion of the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> relative to the outer radius of the guide channel member <NUM>, or relative to the upper and lower arc shape tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, is such that the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outer portion <NUM> are at the same radial distance from the rotation axis A-A (or on the same circumference) as the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the fixed stop <NUM>, and thus in operation abuttingly engage the respective first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the illustrative embodiment, the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> and the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> lie in the same plane and the plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. In this way, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> embodies fewer components and a smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained and simplifies and adds efficiency to the factory assembly and field service of the medical device support system <NUM>. Also, the radially outer portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> and the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM> lie in the same plane and the plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. Thus, in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the radially outer portion <NUM>, the radially inner portion <NUM>, and the elongated cavity <NUM> lie in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. Of course, the invention need not be limited as such and other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the radially outer portion <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inner portion <NUM> and the elongated cavity <NUM> lies. In another example, the radially outer portion <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inner portion <NUM> lies, and the elongated cavity <NUM> may have an axial height such that the radially outer portion <NUM> and the radially inner portion <NUM>, although themselves in different planes, both lie in the axial height plane of the elongated cavity <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> lie in the same plane and the plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. In this way, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> embodies fewer components and a smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained and simplifies and adds efficiency to the factory assembly and field service of the medical device support system <NUM>. Also, the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM> lie in the same plane and the plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. Thus, in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixed stop <NUM>, the radially inner portion <NUM>, and the elongated cavity <NUM> lie in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. Of course, the invention need not be limited as such and other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the fixed stop <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inner portion <NUM> and the elongated cavity <NUM> lies. In another example, the fixed stop <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inner portion <NUM> lies, and the elongated cavity <NUM> may have an axial height such that the fixed stop <NUM> and the radially inner portion <NUM>, although themselves in different planes, both lie in the axial height plane of the elongated cavity <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the radially outer portion <NUM>, the radially inner portion <NUM>, the elongated cavity <NUM>, and the fixed stop <NUM> all lie in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A-A. In this way, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> embodies fewer components and a smaller volumetric footprint than heretofore attained and simplifies and adds efficiency to the factory assembly and field service of the medical device support system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a flowchart <NUM> of a method of rotating an extension arm <NUM> about a shaft <NUM> of a medical device support system <NUM> such as shown in <FIG>. The extension arm <NUM> has a support <NUM> for a medical device <NUM> and a hub <NUM> at its proximal end mounted to the shaft <NUM> for pivotable movement about a rotation axis A-A of the shaft <NUM>. A guide channel member <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM> and includes an elongated cavity <NUM> that defines first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite ends of the cavity <NUM>. A floating stop <NUM> is movable within the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM> and movable relative to the hub <NUM>. The method includes at step <NUM> rotating the hub <NUM> over a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) about the rotation axis A-A, wherein the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range is based on a compound of movement over a first rotation range and movement over a second rotation range. At step <NUM>, the movement over the first rotation range includes moving a fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> between first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of a radially outer portion <NUM> the floating stop <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the movement over the second rotation range includes moving a radially inner portion <NUM> of the floating stop <NUM> between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated cavity <NUM> of the guide channel member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A medical device support sytem (<NUM>), comprising: a shaft (<NUM>); an extension arm (<NUM>) having a support for a medical device and a hub (<NUM>) at its proximal end mounted to the shaft for pivotable movement about a rotation axis of the shaft; a guide channel member (<NUM>) that is fixed to the shaft; whereir the guide channel member includes an elongated cavity (<NUM>) that defines first and second contact faces at opposite ends of the cavity; a floating stop (<NUM>) movable within the elongated cavity of the guide channel member and movable relative to the hub; wherein the hub is pivotably mounted for a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation about the rotation axis, wherein the at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation range is based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range, wherein the first rotation range is defined by a fixed stop of the hub configured to move between first and second contact faces of a radially outer portion of the floating stop, wherein the second rotation range is defined by a radially inner portion of the floating stop configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.