Patent Description:
Endotracheal intubation provides the current preferred method for control of the airway for mechanical ventilation. The process involves passing an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the mouth, past the tongue, and to and through the vocal cords and larynx to seal the airway. This protects the openness of the airway and protects the airway from aspiration of gastric contents, foreign substances, or secretions.

<CIT> describes a reusable video laryngoscope system that includes a baton that is insertable into a disposable sheath having optically clear viewing windows that receive contact with a camera lens in the baton. The reusable video baton is detachably secured to the sheath by locking tabs.

<CIT> describes a laryngoscope system that includes a body comprising a handle and an arm, a camera mounted on or near a distal end of the arm, and a removable blade comprising a channel sized to fit over the arm to couple the blade to the body, wherein the blade comprises a magnet. A sensor disposed in the body is responsive to the magnet and a processor disposed in the body is programmed to enable at least one monitoring function in response to a signal from the sensor.

<CIT> describes a video retractor that includes an elongate blade portion defining a chamber portion therein with a substantially transparent sealed window thereon and a video system having a camera mounted thereto that is secured to the elongate blade portion within the chamber portion such that said camera is aimed through said transparent window. A display system is in communication with the video system for displaying images from the camera.

Traditional laryngoscopes rely on opening the upper airway to provide a direct line of sight from the medical practitioner's eye to the larynx. Subsequent developments in laryngoscopes utilized fiberoptic bundles, sometimes coupled to video displays. More recently, laryngoscopes with video cameras have made it possible to display the image of the airway anatomy from a remote position, and in some instances allow the medical technician to identify relevant anatomical landmarks without repositioning the patient. This technology reduces the past problem of difficult intubation when the glottis entrance cannot be adequately seen and further reduces the likelihood of infection by medical personnel being unduly close to the nose and mouth of the patient can be avoided.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention.

Several embodiments of a video-based intubation laryngoscope and system are described that allow for examination of the upper airway during intubation. The system employs video laryngoscope embodiments configured to view a patient's glottis, reposition the patient's epiglottis, view the glottic aperture and convey video images of the patient's upper airway anatomy including the glottis and/or glottic aperture and surrounding area to a video monitor viewable by the laryngoscope user.

As described below, exemplary embodiments of the laryngoscope include a housing or blade cover intended for single use into which a reusable video baton is inserted. The video baton includes a video camera and a light source and is brought distally against an optical window located on the posterior side of the blade of the laryngoscope. Images obtained from the video baton are conveyed to a video monitor viewable by the laryngoscope user. The blade is used to reposition the epiglottis by engagement of the patient's vallecula, or alternatively, directly lifting the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. An ETT loaded with a stylet is inserted into the mouth under direct vision and advanced until the tip of the ETT appears in the video monitor image, at or near the distal portion of the laryngoscope blade and proximal to the glottic aperture. Viewing the monitor, the ETT is then advanced forward through the glottic aperture into the patient's trachea, while the stylet is removed.

The laryngoscope blade cover, which is sometimes referred to as a "stat," includes a handle portion and a blade portion configured to engage the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. As described herein, different sizes and geometries of laryngoscope blade covers may be provided for use with differently sized patients or patients having different anatomical geometry. Among other features, each laryngoscope blade cover includes an inner chamber that spans from the handle and terminates with an optically clear window on the posterior side of the blade directed toward the distal end. The inner chamber is configured to receive a video camera and lighting unit or video baton therein. As described herein, the video camera unit includes a video camera and a light source to illuminate an anatomical region within the field of view of the lens. The removable video camera and lighting unit is sufficiently sealed within the internal chamber to prevent moisture or fluids from reaching the internal optical electronics of the video camera and lighting member.

Consistent with implementations described herein, the video baton includes a dynamically retractable configuration that allows a single video baton to be used with a variety of differently sized and shaped laryngoscope blade covers. As described in detail below, in one implementation, an image capturing assembly is coupled to a sliding shuttle assembly that allows for the image capturing assembly to be freely moved longitudinally within the baton body. The movable components may be sealed with respect to the baton body to prevent ingress of contaminants and to all for reconditioning and sterilization of the video baton between uses.

<FIG> and <FIG> depicts a substantially side and partially perspective view of a video laryngoscope <NUM> having a blade cover <NUM> configured to receive a detachable video baton <NUM> therein in uninstalled and installed configurations, respectively. As shown, video baton <NUM> includes a substantially rigid handle portion <NUM>, a flexible coupling element <NUM> extending from the handle portion <NUM>, and an image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> coupled to a distal end of flexible coupling element <NUM>. In exemplary implementations, video baton <NUM> may be intended for multiple uses with individual single-use (i.e., disposable) or sterilizable blade covers <NUM>, where each individual blade cover <NUM> is intended for single-use events in a patient. In some embodiments, blade cover <NUM> may be transparent or opaque and includes a blade cover handle <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> similarly shaped to and slightly larger than the video baton <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, blade cover <NUM> may include a clip portion <NUM> that engages a corresponding clip portion <NUM> of video baton <NUM> to retain video baton <NUM> within blade cover <NUM> during use. For example, as shown in <FIG>, blade cover <NUM> may be formed of a plastic or polymeric material. Clip portion <NUM> may include a projection <NUM> that extends upwardly from blade cover handle <NUM> and includes a tab portion <NUM> that extends inwardly therefrom. Corresponding clip portion <NUM> in video baton <NUM> includes a notch <NUM> that aligns with tab portion <NUM>. During assembly, video baton <NUM> is seated within chamber <NUM> in blade cover <NUM> until tab portion <NUM> engages video baton <NUM>. Continued urging of baton <NUM> within blade cover <NUM> causes projection <NUM> to deflect slightly to allow tab portion <NUM> to become seated within notch <NUM>. When it is desired to remove video baton <NUM> from blade cover <NUM>, projection <NUM> may be manually deflected (e.g., by a user's thumb) to allow tab portion <NUM> to escape notch <NUM>, thereby allowing video baton <NUM> to be removed from blade cover <NUM>. In other implementations, clip portion <NUM> of blade cover <NUM> and clip portion <NUM> video baton <NUM> may include different configurations, such as a reversed arrangement in which video baton <NUM> includes the tab portion and blade cover <NUM> includes the corresponding notch.

As further shown in <FIG>, blade cover <NUM> includes a blade portion <NUM> that includes a proximal end 124a and a distal end 124b. Distal end 124b of blade portion <NUM> terminates with distal tip <NUM> for lifting the epiglottis or for engaging the vallecula of a patient to lift the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. Distal end 124b further includes a window <NUM> positioned on the posterior side thereof. As described below, an image capturing assembly in video baton <NUM> is configured to engage window <NUM> when video baton <NUM> is fully inserted into blade cover <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Consistent with implementations described herein, video baton <NUM> may be configured adjustable to accommodate insertion within different sized blade covers <NUM>, while maintaining the image capturing assembly in operational abutment with window <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton <NUM> consistent with a second embodiment described herein. <FIG> and <FIG> are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of video baton <NUM> in an extended or uncompressed configuration. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of video baton <NUM> in a retracted or compressed configuration. As briefly described above, video baton <NUM> is generally configured for reception within chamber <NUM> in blade cover <NUM>, such that flexible coupling element <NUM> is received within blade portion <NUM> and handle portion <NUM> is received within handle <NUM> of blade cover <NUM>. As shown in the <FIG>, consistent with one implementation described herein, video baton <NUM> includes handle portion <NUM>, a receptacle assembly <NUM>, a main rail <NUM>, a cable guide tube <NUM>, a shuttle assembly <NUM>, a biasing element <NUM>, a sealing element <NUM>, flexible coupling element <NUM>, and image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM>.

As described above, handle portion <NUM> encloses most components of video baton <NUM> within an inner chamber <NUM> formed therein (as shown in <FIG>) and includes an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> that extends downwardly generally perpendicularly from upper portion <NUM>. As shown in 2A, upper portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that communicates with inner chamber <NUM> for receiving receptacle assembly <NUM>. As described above, upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> includes clip portion <NUM> that engages corresponding clip portion <NUM> in blade cover <NUM>.

Lower portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> for receiving main rail <NUM>, shuttle assembly <NUM>, and sealing element <NUM>, as described in additional detail below. As shown in <FIG>, opening <NUM> also communicates with inner chamber <NUM>. Consistent with implementations described herein, a generally tubular base portion <NUM> may be seated within opening <NUM> in lower portion <NUM> and secured thereto via, for example, an adhesive, such as an epoxy, ultrasonic welding, etc. Depending on chosen manufacturing method, base portion <NUM> and handle portion <NUM> could also be manufactured as a single piece. Base portion <NUM> may include a central opening <NUM>, a flange <NUM> configured to engage an outer end of lower portion <NUM>, a notched portion <NUM> for receiving a portion of the sealing element <NUM>, and a threaded outer surface <NUM> for engaging an outer collar <NUM> to retain inner collar <NUM>, which in turn retains sealing element <NUM> and main rail <NUM> in a coupled relationship with handle portion <NUM>, as described in additional detail below.

Receptacle assembly <NUM> provides an interface between image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> and an external video display (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, in one exemplary implementation receptacle assembly <NUM> includes a receptacle housing <NUM>, a receptacle component <NUM>, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, receptacle housing <NUM> is configured to be received within opening <NUM> in upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>. Receptacle housing <NUM> includes a central opening <NUM> for receiving receptacle component <NUM> therein and a rear vertical slot <NUM> for engaging an upper portion of main rail <NUM> and for accommodating cable guide tube <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and as described in additional detail below. In some implementations, receptacle housing <NUM> may further include a bottom slot <NUM> for receiving a portion of PCBA <NUM>. Receptacle component <NUM> may include a connector interface element <NUM> for interfacing with a video cable (now shown) and PCBA <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, connector interface element <NUM> may include a multi-pin, magnetic configuration. In other implementations, different connector technologies may be used, such as high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or universal serial bus, type C (USB type C) connectors.

Although upper portion <NUM> and opening <NUM> are depicted in <FIG> as having a generally perpendicular configuration, in other implementations, opening <NUM>, and receptacle assembly <NUM> received therein, may include alternative configurations, such as opening <NUM> extending approximately <NUM>° relative to a longitudinal axis of upper portion <NUM>.

PCBA <NUM> may include various imaging-related components to facilitate image capture by image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> and transmission of captured imagery to an external display device via connector interface element <NUM>. In some implementations, PCBA <NUM> may include wireless communications components (e.g., antenna(s), transceiver(s), etc.) for enabling wireless communication of images to a remote device.

Main rail <NUM> includes a generally tubular body <NUM> configured for reception within inner chamber <NUM> in lower portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, main rail <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> configured to engage rear vertical slot <NUM> in receptacle housing <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> configured to engage opening <NUM> in base portion <NUM>. More particularly, upper portion <NUM> of main rail <NUM> may include a pair of flanges <NUM> about a central aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, upper portion <NUM> and flanges <NUM> are sized to engage opposing sides of a lower portion of rear vertical slot <NUM> in receptacle housing <NUM>, such that main rail <NUM> may be positively retained within inner chamber <NUM> upon assembly of receptacle housing <NUM> within handle portion <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> of main rail <NUM> may also include one or more flanges <NUM> for engaging an open end of base portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, body <NUM> of main rail <NUM> further includes opposing longitudinal slots <NUM>. As described below, longitudinal slots <NUM> are configured to receive corresponding projections in shuttle assembly <NUM> to prevent removal and rotation of shuttle assembly <NUM> relative to main rail <NUM>. Main rail <NUM> includes an internal flanged portion <NUM> for engaging cable guide tube <NUM>, as described below. Consistent with implementations described herein, main rail <NUM> may be formed as a two-part assembly (i.e., a split or halved assembly), such that cable guide tube <NUM> is longitudinally retained relative to main rail <NUM> upon assembly of video baton <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, cable guide tube <NUM> includes a generally tubular body configured to be received within body <NUM> of main rail <NUM>. Cable guide tube <NUM> includes an external flanged portion and projection portions <NUM> for engaging flanged portion <NUM> of main rail <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. More specifically, a spacing between an upper surface of flanged portion <NUM> and a lower surface of projection portions <NUM> is substantially similar to a thickness of flanged portion <NUM> in main rail <NUM>. Upon assembly of main rail <NUM> about cable guide tube <NUM>, flanged portion <NUM> is captured between flanged portion <NUM> and projection portions <NUM> to lock cable guide tube <NUM> relative to main rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, cable guide tube <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> that projects upwardly from flanged portion <NUM> and is configured to extend into upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> upon assembly. In some implementations, cable guide tube <NUM> may be secured relative to main rail <NUM> upon assembly. For example, cable guide tube <NUM> may be secured via a friction fit between flanged portion <NUM> of main rail <NUM> and flanged portion <NUM> of cable guide tube <NUM>, an adhesive, etc. In other implementations, cable guide tube <NUM> is retained within handle portion <NUM> by virtue of outer collar <NUM> and biasing element <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, upper portion <NUM> of cable guide tube <NUM> includes a cutaway portion <NUM> that provides egress from cable guide tube <NUM> for wiring/cabling/flexible PCB <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other implementations, alternative mechanisms for supporting wiring/flexible PCB <NUM> as it egresses cable guide tube <NUM> may be employed. For example, a support element, such as a rod or bar may be incorporated within cavity <NUM> in upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> to provide a minimum bed radius over which PCB <NUM> passes.

Shuttle assembly <NUM> may include an arrangement of telescoping components configured to provide a retractable effective length to video baton <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, shuttle assembly <NUM> includes an upper shuttle component <NUM> concentrically receivable within main rail <NUM>, a lower shuttle component <NUM> concentrically receivable within upper shuttle <NUM>, a rigid tube element <NUM>, and a cap element <NUM> for ensuring that lower shuttle component <NUM> is retained within upper shuttle component <NUM> following assembly.

Consistent with implementations described herein, upper shuttle component <NUM> includes a generally tubular configuration having a pair of opposing anti-rotation projections <NUM> for interfacing with longitudinal slots <NUM> in main rail <NUM> during assembly. Upper shuttle component <NUM> further includes a pair of opposing anti-rotation channels <NUM> for engaging corresponding projections <NUM> in lower shuttle component <NUM> and a pair of opposing notches <NUM> for engaging corresponding clip portions in cap element <NUM>, as described below.

Lower shuttle component <NUM> also includes a generally tubular configuration sized for concentrically fitted reception within upper shuttle component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, lower shuttle component <NUM> includes opposing anti-rotation projections <NUM> for engaging anti-rotation channels <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, lower shuttle component <NUM> includes a stepped inner configuration that includes a first portion <NUM> having a first inside diameter, a second portion <NUM> having a second inside diameter, a third portion <NUM> having a third inside diameter, a fourth portion <NUM> having a fourth inside diameter, and a fifth portion <NUM> having a fifth inside diameter.

As shown, first inside diameter of first portion <NUM> is configured to receive one end of biasing element <NUM> therein, such that biasing element <NUM> engages an interface shoulder <NUM> between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM>. Second inside diameter of second portion <NUM> is smaller than the first inside diameter of first portion <NUM>.

Third inside diameter of third portion <NUM> is smaller than the second inside diameter of second portion <NUM> and is sized to receive rigid tube element <NUM> therein. As shown in <FIG>, rigid tube element <NUM> includes a length substantially similar to shuttle assembly <NUM> and provides a clear pathway for wires/flexible PCB <NUM> or other components that extend from receptacle assembly <NUM> to image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, an upper end of rigid tube element <NUM> may include a notched portion <NUM> for allowing wires/flexible PCB <NUM> to exit rigid tube element <NUM> when in a fully retracted configuration.

Fourth inside diameter of fourth portion <NUM> is larger than the third inside diameter of third portion <NUM> and is configured to engage an end of flexible coupling element <NUM> that extends outwardly from handle portion <NUM> for insertion within blade cover <NUM>. Fifth inside diameter of fifth portion <NUM> is larger than the fourth inside diameter of fourth portion <NUM> and is configured to engage a portion of sealing element <NUM>, as described below.

Cap element <NUM> includes a tubular configuration sized for fitted reception within upper shuttle component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, cap element includes a flanged shoulder portion <NUM> having an outer diameter greater than an inside diameter of upper shuttle component <NUM>, such that upon insertion of cap element <NUM> into upper shuttle component <NUM>, shoulder portion <NUM> engages an upper surface of upper shuttle component <NUM> and prevents removal of lower shuttle component <NUM>. As shown, cap element <NUM> further includes a pair of alignment projections <NUM> for engaging anti-rotation channels <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM>. Cap element <NUM> also includes a pair of resilient clip portions <NUM> for engaging notches <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM>. In one implementation, clip portions <NUM> may include a barbed configuration for securing cap element <NUM> to upper shuttle component <NUM> during assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, biasing element <NUM> is configured for concentric receipt within main rail <NUM>, upper shuttle component <NUM>, lower shuttle component <NUM>, and cap element <NUM>. In one implementation, biasing element <NUM> includes a helical spring configured to engage flanged portion <NUM> of main rail <NUM> on one end and interface shoulder <NUM> in lower shuttle component <NUM> on the other end. In this manner, following assembly, lower shuttle component <NUM> is biased away from handle portion <NUM> but may be urged toward handle portion <NUM> by compressing biasing element <NUM>, thereby shortening an overall length of video baton <NUM> to fit within a shorter blade cover <NUM>. Although a helical spring is described and illustrated herein, other alternative biasing mechanisms may be used, such as a resilient, compressible material, one or more flat springs, etc..

During assembly of video baton <NUM>, rigid tube element <NUM> is seated within third portion <NUM> in lower shuttle component <NUM>. Anti-rotation projections <NUM> in lower shuttle component <NUM> are then aligned with anti-rotation channels <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM> and lower shuttle component <NUM> is slid within upper shuttle component <NUM>. Cap element <NUM> is then placed within upper shuttle component <NUM> and secured with clip portions <NUM> to form the assembled shuttle assembly <NUM>.

Next, cable guide tube <NUM> is inserted within one half of main rail <NUM>, as described above. Biasing element <NUM> is inserted longitudinally within shuttle assembly <NUM> such that rigid tube element <NUM> is concentrically positioned within shuttle assembly <NUM>. Shuttle assembly <NUM> is then placed within the half of main rail <NUM>, such that rigid tube element <NUM> is concentrically aligned with cable guide tube <NUM> and biasing element <NUM> is positioned concentrically over cable guide tube <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As briefly described above, anti-rotation projections <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM> are positioned within longitudinal slots <NUM> in the half of main rail <NUM>. Subsequently, the second half of main rail <NUM> is aligned with the first half of main rail <NUM> and secured via, for example, an adhesive, such as an epoxy, ultrasonic welding, etc..

Assembled main rail <NUM> is then inserted within base portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> and receptacle assembly <NUM> is received and secured within opening <NUM> in upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>.

Consistent with implementations described herein, sealing element <NUM> may include a cone formed of a resilient material, such as medical grade polyurethane, silicone rubber, or other flexible or rubber-like materials. As shown, sealing element <NUM> interfaces between lower portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> and fifth portion <NUM> of lower shuttle component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Sealing element <NUM> functions to inhibit the ingress of debris or fluids into handle portion <NUM> that may cause adversely affect the operation of shuttle assembly <NUM>. As lower shuttle component <NUM> is extended or retracted relative to handle portion <NUM>, sealing element <NUM> may accommodate the changes without reducing seal function by either collapsing or extending the resilient cone.

As shown, sealing element <NUM>, base portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>, outer collar <NUM> and a second collar <NUM> together function to retain sealing element <NUM> in a non-rotatable relationship with handle portion <NUM>. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, sealing element <NUM> includes a flanged portion <NUM>, and a pair of opposing projections <NUM> having flanged upper surfaces and that project upwardly from flanged portion <NUM>. Base portion <NUM> includes notched recesses <NUM> in threaded portion <NUM> for accommodating projections <NUM> during assembly, thereby preventing rotation of sealing element <NUM> relative to base portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>. Second collar <NUM> includes a flanged portion <NUM> for engaging a lower surface of flanged portion <NUM> of sealing element <NUM> and further includes projections <NUM> for engaging the flanged upper surfaces of projections <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, outer collar <NUM> includes a flanged lower portion <NUM> and a threaded portion <NUM>. During assembly, rotation of outer collar <NUM> relative to base portion <NUM> urges flanged lower portion <NUM> into frictional engagement with a lower surface of flanged portion <NUM> in second collar <NUM>, thereby securing sealing element <NUM> to handle portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when in a retracted configuration, first shuttle component <NUM> and second shuttle component <NUM> are urged upwardly relative to main rail <NUM> and against the biasing force of biasing element <NUM>. To accommodate this position yet retain seal effectiveness, at least a portion of resilient sealing element <NUM> is inverted or collapsed within main rail <NUM>. Such a retraction effectively reduces the length of video baton <NUM>, thus allowing for insertion within different size blade covers <NUM>. Although a fully retracted implementation is shown in <FIG> for exemplary purposes, it should be understood that shuttle assembly <NUM> may be positioned at any position within its range of travel, which is defined by the lengths of longitudinal slots <NUM> in main rail <NUM> and anti-rotation channels <NUM> in upper shuttle component <NUM>.

During use, video baton <NUM> is inserted into chamber <NUM> in blade cover <NUM>, which may be one of a variety of different sizes. Flexible coupling element <NUM> is inserted into blade portion <NUM> until image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> engages window <NUM> in distal tip 124b of blade portion <NUM>. Handle portion <NUM> is inserted into chamber <NUM> until clip portion <NUM> in handle portion <NUM> engages clip portion <NUM> in blade cover <NUM> to retain video baton <NUM> within blade cover <NUM>. Depending on the size of blade cover <NUM>, the urging of handle portion <NUM> within chamber <NUM> may cause biasing element <NUM> to compress to shorten the effective length of video baton <NUM>, as described above, with smaller blade covers requiring more compression than larger blade covers. In this manner, a single re-usable video baton <NUM> may be used with a variety of differently sized blade covers <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton <NUM> consistent with a second embodiment described herein. <FIG> and <FIG> are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of video baton <NUM> in a compressed or retracted configuration. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of video baton <NUM> in an uncompressed or extended configuration. As shown in the <FIG>, consistent with one implementation described herein, video baton <NUM> includes handle portion <NUM>, a receptacle assembly <NUM>, a shuttle assembly <NUM>, first and second biasing elements <NUM> and <NUM>, a collar element <NUM>, first and second sealing elements <NUM> and <NUM>, flexible coupling element <NUM>, and image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM>.

Similar to handle portion <NUM> described above, handle portion <NUM> encloses most components of video baton <NUM> within an inner chamber <NUM> formed therein (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and includes an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> that extends downwardly generally perpendicularly from upper portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, upper portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that communicates with an upper portion 316a of inner chamber <NUM> for receiving receptacle assembly <NUM>. Similar to handle portion <NUM> described above, upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> may also include clip portion <NUM> that engages corresponding clip portion <NUM> in blade cover <NUM>.

Lower portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> for receiving shuttle assembly <NUM> therein, as described in additional detail below. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, opening <NUM> communicates with a lower portion 316b of inner chamber <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> may further include one or more projections <NUM> for engaging corresponding portions in collar element <NUM> to secure collar element <NUM> to handle portion <NUM> during assembly, as described more fully below.

Receptacle assembly <NUM> provides an interface between image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> and an external video display (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, in one exemplary implementation receptacle assembly <NUM> includes a receptacle housing <NUM>, a receptacle component <NUM>, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, receptacle housing <NUM> is configured to be received within opening <NUM> in upper portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>. Receptacle housing <NUM> includes a central opening <NUM> for receiving receptacle component <NUM> therein. Receptacle component <NUM> may include a connector interface element <NUM> for interfacing with a video cable (now shown) and PCBA <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, connector interface element <NUM> may include a multi-pin, magnetic configuration. In other implementations, different connector technologies may be used, such as high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or universal serial bus, type C (USB type C) connectors.

Shuttle assembly <NUM> may include an arrangement of telescoping components concentrically received within lower inner chamber portion 316b of lower handle portion <NUM> configured to provide a retractable effective length to video baton <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, shuttle assembly <NUM> includes an upper shuttle spacer <NUM>, an upper shuttle component <NUM>, an upper shuttle cap <NUM>, a lower shuttle component <NUM> concentrically receivable within upper shuttle component <NUM>, and a lower shuttle spacer <NUM>.

Consistent with implementations described herein, upper shuttle spacer <NUM> includes a generally tubular element sized to be received within an upper portion of chamber 316b. An upper portion of upper shuttle spacer <NUM> is radially enclosed to define a central aperture <NUM> therethrough that permits a clear pathway for wires or other components that extend from receptacle assembly <NUM> to image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM>. As shown, an inside diameter of upper shuttle spacer <NUM> is sized to receive first biasing element <NUM> therein, as described below.

Upper shuttle component <NUM> includes a generally tubular element sized for reception within upper portion of chamber 316b. An outer surface of upper shuttle component <NUM> is configured to provide an engagement shoulder <NUM> that defines an outer travel boundary for upper shuttle component <NUM> within chamber 316b and prevents removal of upper shuttle component <NUM> from handle portion <NUM> after assembly. As shown in <FIG>, in one implementation, upper inside surface <NUM> of upper shuttle component <NUM> includes a notched or keyed configuration for receiving and engaging upper shuttle cap <NUM> upon assembly of lower shuttle component <NUM> and lower shuttle spacer <NUM> within upper shuttle component <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a lower portion of upper shuttle component <NUM> defines an annular chamber <NUM> for receiving second sealing element <NUM>, as described below. In one implementation, annular chamber <NUM> includes an upper aperture <NUM> sized to allow a portion of lower shuttle component <NUM> to extend therethrough, as described below. As shown, annular chamber <NUM> further includes a flanged lower configuration sized to allow second sealing element <NUM> to be received and retained within annular chamber <NUM>.

Upper shuttle cap <NUM> may include a tubular component having a central aperture <NUM> therethrough configured to accommodate the wires/flexible PCB <NUM> from image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an outer surface of upper shuttle cap <NUM> may include a correspondingly notched or grooved configuration <NUM> for interlockingly engaging upper inside surface <NUM> of upper shuttle component <NUM> to prevent undesirable removal of upper shuttle cap <NUM> from upper shuttle component <NUM> after assembly.

Lower shuttle component <NUM> includes a generally tubular configuration having an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, upper portion <NUM> includes an outside diameter sized for concentric reception within upper shuttle component <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> includes a shaft having a reduced outside diameter sized for reception within aperture <NUM> in annular chamber <NUM> of upper shuttle component <NUM>. As shown, lower portion <NUM> includes a bottom aperture <NUM> sized to receive and frictionally engage flexible coupling element <NUM> during assembly. Relative lengths of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> together define the relative travel distance of lower shuttle component <NUM> within upper shuttle component <NUM>. Lower shuttle spacer <NUM> includes another generally tubular element sized for concentric receipt within upper portion <NUM> of lower shuttle component <NUM> and having an open end and a reduced diameter end. In one implementation, lower shuttle spacer <NUM> may allow for functional modifications during assembly. In one embodiment, when lower shuttle spacer <NUM> is inserted as shown, the reduced internal diameter of spacer <NUM> (relative to upper portion <NUM> of lower shuttle component <NUM> allows for a reduced diameter biasing element <NUM> (described below). However, in a second embodiment (not shown), if lower shuttle spacer <NUM> is inserted into lower shuttle component <NUM> with its reduced diameter end facing upward, spacer <NUM> allows for a reduced travel of biasing element <NUM>, thereby increasing a force with which lower shuttle is biased into an extended or uncompressed state.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first biasing element <NUM> is positioned between upper shuttle spacer <NUM> and upper shuttle component <NUM> and functions to bias upper shuttle component <NUM> downwardly within chamber 316b. Second biasing element <NUM> is positioned within lower shuttle spacer <NUM> and engages upper shuttle cap <NUM> upon assembly to bias lower shuttle component <NUM> downwardly within upper shuttle component <NUM>. In this manner, following assembly, shuttle components <NUM> and <NUM> are biased away from handle portion <NUM> but may be urged toward handle portion <NUM> by compressing biasing elements <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby shortening an overall length of video baton <NUM> to fit within a shorter blade cover <NUM>. Although helical springs are described and illustrated herein, other alternative biasing mechanisms may be used, such as a resilient, compressible material, one or more flat springs, etc..

Collar element <NUM> comprises a generally tubular element configured to engage handle portion <NUM> to retain shuttle assembly <NUM> within chamber 316b. As shown in <FIG>, collar element <NUM> may include one or more keyed notches <NUM> on an upper inside surface thereof for engaging projections <NUM> in lower portion <NUM> of handle portion <NUM>. Upon assembly, keyed notches <NUM> interact with projections <NUM> to secure collar element <NUM> to handle portion <NUM>.

A lower portion of collar element <NUM> defines an annular chamber <NUM> for receiving first sealing element <NUM>, as described below. In one implementation, annular chamber <NUM> includes an upper aperture <NUM> sized to engage engagement shoulder <NUM> in the outer surface of upper shuttle component <NUM> when upper shuttle component <NUM> is in an extended configuration, as shown in <FIG>. As shown, annular chamber <NUM> further includes a flanged lower configuration sized to allow first sealing element <NUM> to be received and retained therein.

Consistent with implementations described herein, first and second sealing elements <NUM>/<NUM> include resilient seals, such as wiper seal. As shown in <FIG>, wiper seals <NUM>/<NUM> are sized for receipt within respective annular chambers <NUM>/<NUM> and include internal annular V-shaped grooves to allow sealing elements <NUM>/<NUM> to deflect upwardly or downwardly upon movement of upper shuttle component <NUM> and lower shuttle component <NUM>, respectively. Sealing elements <NUM>/<NUM> function to inhibit the ingress of debris or fluids into handle portion <NUM> or between upper and lower shuttle components <NUM>/<NUM> that may cause adversely affect the operation of shuttle assembly <NUM>.

During assembly of video baton <NUM>, sealing elements <NUM>/<NUM> are inserted into respective annular chambers <NUM>/<NUM>. Lower shuttle spacer <NUM> is inserted into upper portion <NUM> of lower shuttle component <NUM> and second biasing element <NUM> is inserted into lower shuttle spacer <NUM>. The combined lower shuttle assembly is then inserted into upper shuttle component <NUM> and retained therein by upper shuttle cap <NUM>.

Flexible coupling element <NUM> and wires/flexible PCB <NUM> are inserted through bottom aperture <NUM> in lower shuttle component <NUM> and wires/flexible PCB <NUM> are threaded through upper shuttle component <NUM>. Upper shuttle spacer <NUM> is inserted into chamber 316b and first biasing element <NUM> is placed within upper shuttle spacer <NUM>. Upper shuttle component <NUM> is then inserted into chamber 316b with first biasing element <NUM> engaging upper shuttle spacer <NUM> and upper shuttle component <NUM>/upper shuttle cap <NUM>. Wires/flexible PCB <NUM> are threaded through upper shuttle cap <NUM> and into upper chamber 316a for connection to PCBA <NUM> during assembly of receptacle assembly <NUM> to handle portion <NUM>.

During use, video baton <NUM> is inserted into chamber <NUM> in blade cover <NUM>, which may be one of a variety of different sizes. Flexible coupling element <NUM> is inserted into blade portion <NUM> until image capturing and lighting assembly <NUM> engages window <NUM> in distal tip 124b of blade portion <NUM>. Handle portion <NUM> is inserted into chamber <NUM> until clip portion <NUM> in handle portion <NUM> engages clip portion <NUM> in blade cover <NUM> to retain video baton <NUM> within blade cover <NUM>. Depending on the size of blade cover <NUM>, the urging of handle portion <NUM> within chamber <NUM> may cause biasing elements <NUM>/<NUM> to compress to shorten the effective length of video baton <NUM>, with smaller blade covers requiring more compression than larger blade covers. In this manner, a single re-usable video baton <NUM> may be used with a variety of differently sized blade covers <NUM>.

The foregoing description of exemplary implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described herein to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments.

The above-mentioned description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that defined in the following claims.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
a video baton (<NUM>) for insertion into a plurality of laryngoscope blade covers having different sizes and geometries,
wherein the video baton (<NUM>) comprises:
a handle portion (<NUM>),
a shuttle assembly (<NUM>) slidingly positioned within the handle portion (<NUM>) between an extended position and a retracted position;
a flexible coupling element (<NUM>) having a proximal end and a distal end,
wherein the flexible coupling element (<NUM>) is coupled to the shuttle assembly (<NUM>) at the proximal end; and
an image capturing and lighting assembly (<NUM>) positioned at the distal end of the flexible coupling element (<NUM>).