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.

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, and a free rotating ring. The extension arm has 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 free rotating ring is rotatable about the rotation axis and is movable relative to the shaft and movable relative to the hub. The shaft includes at least one elongated peripheral cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral ends of the cavity. 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 outward protruding member of the free rotating ring, wherein the second rotation range is defined by a radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

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

The free rotating ring 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 outward protruding member of the free rotating ring, and the radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring in engagement with the first contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

The second stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the second contact face of the radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring, and the radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring in engagement with the second contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

The radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring and the radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring 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 inward protruding member of the free rotating ring may lie in the same plane and the plane may be perpendicular to the rotation axis.

The radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring may include a tab, and the first and second contact faces of the radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring may be on opposite peripheral sides of the tab.

The free rotating ring may include a ring member and the tab may be secured within a radial opening in the ring member.

The radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring may have first and second contact faces on opposite sides thereof, and the second rotation range may be defined by movement of the radially inward protruding member between a location at which the first contact face of the radially inward protruding member engages the first contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft and a location at which the second contact face of the radially inward protruding member engages the second contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

The free rotating ring may include a ring member, and the radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring may include a fastener threaded into an opening in the ring member, and the fastener may protrude radially inward relative to an inner diameter of the ring member.

The at least one elongated peripheral cavity may include a plurality of elongated peripheral cavities.

The radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring may include a plurality radially inward protruding members that move within the respective plurality of elongated peripheral cavities.

The plurality of elongated peripheral cavities may be evenly spaced about the rotation axis of the shaft.

The shaft may have an axial hollow and a radial aperture and the free rotating ring may be positioned to allow passage of electrical and communication lines through the axial hollow, through the free rotating ring, 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 may be positioned axially between the upper and lower pivot bearings, and the free rotating ring 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 disclosure a medical device support system includes a shaft, an extension arm, and a free rotating ring. 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 free rotating ring may be rotatable about the rotation axis and may be movable relative to the shaft and movable relative to the hub. The shaft may include at least one elongated peripheral cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral ends of the cavity. 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. The first stop may include a radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring in engagement with the first contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft, and the second stop may include the radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring in engagement with the second contact face of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

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

The hub may include a fixed stop movable between first and second contact faces of a radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring.

The first stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the first contact face of the radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring, and the second stop may include the fixed stop of the hub in engagement with the second contact face of the radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring.

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 free rotating ring is rotatable about the rotation axis and is movable relative to the shaft and movable relative to the hub, and wherein the shaft includes at least one elongated peripheral cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral ends of the cavity, 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 outward protruding member of the free rotating ring, and wherein movement over the second rotation range includes moving a radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring between the first and second contact faces of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.

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. Any alterations and further modifications of the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

<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 shaft <NUM> includes at least one elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> that defines first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite peripheral ends of the cavity <NUM>. The rotational control mechanism <NUM> includes a free rotating ring <NUM>, a fixed stop <NUM> connected to a wall of the hub <NUM>, and a radially outward protruding member <NUM> and at least one radially inward protruding member <NUM> protruding respectively radially outward and radially inward relative to a ring member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM>. The free rotating ring <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A-A and is movable relative to the shaft <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. 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> being configured to move between first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM>. The second rotation range is defined by the radially inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> being configured to move between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the rotational control mechanism <NUM> simplifies rotational control of the extension arm <NUM> about the shaft <NUM> and provides a range of at least <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the rotation axis A-A.

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>, <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 free rotating ring <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 free rotating ring <NUM>, and the shaft <NUM>. The hub <NUM> includes the fixed stop <NUM>. The free rotating ring <NUM> includes the radially outward protruding member <NUM>, at least one radially inward protruding member <NUM>, three such radially inward protruding members <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment, and the ring member <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> includes at least one elongated peripheral cavity <NUM>, three such elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment. 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 free rotating ring <NUM> including its protruding members <NUM>, <NUM>, is movable relative to the shaft <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 outward protruding member <NUM> has first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral ends of the radially outward protruding member <NUM>. Each radially inward protruding member <NUM> has first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite peripheral ends of the radially inward protruding member <NUM>. Each cavity <NUM> defines first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite peripheral 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 free rotating ring <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 outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM>, and the radially inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> in engagement with the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <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 outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM>, and the radially inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> in engagement with the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <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 outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <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 outward protruding member <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 free rotating ring <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 outward protruding member <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 outward protruding member <NUM>. In other words, and again with reference to <FIG> and assuming the free rotating ring <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 outward protruding member <NUM> (or right side thereof in <FIG>) clockwise to the second contact face <NUM> of the radially outward protruding member <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 inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> being configured to move between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the angular span between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> is about <NUM>-degrees. The radially inward protruding member <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> is in abutting engagement with the second contact face <NUM>, and thus continued clockwise rotation of the hub <NUM> causes the hub <NUM> and free rotating ring <NUM> to rotate together clockwise in unison. The second rotation range is defined by movement of the radially inward protruding member <NUM> between a location at which the first contact face <NUM> of the radially inward protruding member <NUM> engages the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> and a location shown in <FIG> at which the second contact face <NUM> of the radially inward protruding member <NUM> engages the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <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 inward protruding member <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 inward protruding member <NUM> moves from the first contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> clockwise to the second contact face <NUM> of the elongated peripheral 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 outward protruding member <NUM>, that is, the middle of the first rotation range, and the radially inward protruding member <NUM> has reached the middle of the elongated peripheral 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 outward protruding member <NUM>, and the movement of the radially inward protruding member <NUM> between the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM>, will vary depending on the friction between the respective rotating sliding surfaces of the shaft <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the free rotating ring <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 example the width (angular span) of any of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM>, the fixed stop <NUM>, the radially outward protruding member <NUM>, and/or the radially inward protruding member <NUM>. As an example, in the case where the fixed stop <NUM> is <NUM>° (<NUM> degree) smaller in width in <FIG>, for example <NUM> degrees in width, 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 outward protruding member <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 peripheral 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 (<NUM> degrees, for example, where there is only one such cavity rather than three), 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 inward protruding member <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> show greater detail of the free rotating ring <NUM> of the rotational control mechanism <NUM>. The free rotating ring <NUM> includes the ring member <NUM>. The inner diameter of the ring member <NUM> is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft <NUM> to enable the ring member <NUM> to slidably rotate about the shaft <NUM>. The outer diameter of the ring member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the inner diameter path followed by the radially innermost surface of the fixed stop <NUM> to provide sufficient clearance between the ring member <NUM> and the fixed stop <NUM> for free rotation of the ring member <NUM> about the shaft <NUM>.

The radially outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> may include a tab <NUM>, wherein the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> are on opposite peripheral sides of the tab <NUM>. The ring member <NUM> may include a radial opening <NUM> to accommodate the tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> and radial opening <NUM> protrude radially relative to the rotation axis A-A, that is, radially from the geometric center of the free rotating ring <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tab <NUM> and radial opening <NUM> have a constant width in the radial direction. The width of the tab <NUM> is slightly less than the width of the radial opening <NUM> to enable the tab <NUM> to be radially slidably inserted into, or withdrawn from, the radial opening <NUM>. The tab <NUM> is inserted into the radial opening <NUM> in the ring member <NUM> such that the tab <NUM> protrudes radially outward relative to the outer diameter of the ring member <NUM> yet does not protrude radially inward relative to the inner diameter of the ring member <NUM>. The amount of radially outward protrusion is such that the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the tab <NUM> are located 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>. As shown in <FIG>, a fastener such as a screw <NUM> may be fastened into a threaded opening <NUM> in the tab <NUM> to secure the tab <NUM> to the ring member <NUM> and within the radial opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the screw <NUM> may additionally be secured in the threaded opening <NUM> by a suitable thread locking adhesive.

The radially inward protruding member <NUM> may include a fastener such as screw <NUM>, wherein the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> are on opposite peripheral sides of the screw <NUM>. The ring member <NUM> may include a radial opening <NUM> to accommodate the screw <NUM>. The screw <NUM> and radial opening <NUM> protrude radially relative to the rotation axis A-A, that is, radially from the geometric center of the free rotating ring <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the radial opening <NUM> includes a radially inner through hole <NUM>, a radially outer threaded hole <NUM>, and an intermediate annular seat <NUM>, while the screw <NUM> in a corresponding manner includes a radially inner shaft <NUM>, a radially outer threaded socket head <NUM>, and an intermediate annular flange <NUM>. The threaded socket head <NUM> of the screw <NUM> is threaded into the threaded hole <NUM> of the radial opening <NUM> until the annular flange <NUM> engages, i.e. rests on, the annular seat <NUM>, which results in the shaft <NUM> extending through the through hole <NUM> and protruding radially inward relative to the inner diameter of the ring member <NUM>. The screw <NUM> also does not protrude radially outward relative to the outer diameter of the ring member <NUM>. The amount of radially inward protrusion is such that the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially inward protruding member <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 peripheral cavity <NUM>, and thus in operation abuttingly engage the respective first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the screw <NUM> may additionally be secured in the threaded hole <NUM> of the radial opening <NUM> by a suitable thread locking adhesive.

In the illustrative rotational control mechanism <NUM>, there are three radially inward protruding members <NUM> and three corresponding elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> within which the radially inward protruding members <NUM> respectively move during rotation of the extension arm <NUM> about the shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> the three elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> and the three radially inward protruding members <NUM> are evenly spaced about the rotation axis A-A of the shaft <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the even spacing is an angular spacing of <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) between adjacent elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> and an angular spacing of <NUM>° (<NUM> degrees) between adjacent radially inward protruding members <NUM>. It will be appreciated that one or more elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> and one or more radially inward protruding members <NUM> may be suitable for the rotational control mechanism <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments there may be one elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> and one radially inward protruding member <NUM>. In other embodiments, there may be, two, four, etc. Further, the number of elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> need not be the same as the number of radially inward protruding members <NUM>. For example, there may be three elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> and only one radially inward protruding member <NUM> in which case two of the elongated peripheral cavities <NUM> may go unused during operation but would provide flexibility in assembly of the extension arm <NUM> to the shaft <NUM> and integration of the rotational control mechanism <NUM> into the hub <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show greater detail of the fixed stop <NUM> of the rotational control mechanism <NUM>. The fixed stop <NUM> may include 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 fixed stop <NUM> may include a threaded opening at its center that is alignable with a through hole in a wall <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. A fastener <NUM> may be inserted through the through hole and threaded into the threaded opening to secure the block <NUM> to a radially inward facing portion <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fastener <NUM> may additionally be secured in the threaded opening by a suitable thread locking adhesive. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixed stop <NUM>, when fastened to the wall <NUM>, protrudes axially downward from its fastener location, which positions the fixed stop <NUM> and its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> at the same axial location as the radially outward protruding member <NUM> and its first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, the fixed stop <NUM> may additionally be secured at its opposite peripheral sides by radially inward protruding walls or castings <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the amount of radially outward protrusion of the radially outward protruding member <NUM> relative to the ring member <NUM>, more particularly the outer diameter of the ring member <NUM>, is such that the first and second contact faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the radially outward protruding member <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 outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> and the radially inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <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 outward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <NUM> and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <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 outward protruding member <NUM>, the radially inward protruding member <NUM>, and the elongated peripheral 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 outward protruding member <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inward protruding member <NUM> and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> lie. In another example, the radially outward protruding member <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inward protruding member <NUM> lies, and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> may have an axial height such that the radially outward protruding member <NUM> and the radially inward protruding member <NUM>, although themselves in different planes, both lie in the axial height plane of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the radially inward protruding member <NUM> of the free rotating ring <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, fixed stop <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> of the shaft <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 inward protruding member <NUM>, and the elongated peripheral 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 inward protruding member <NUM> and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> lie. In another example, the fixed stop <NUM> may be located in a plane axially above or axially below the plane in which the radially inward protruding member <NUM> lies, and the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM> may have an axial height such that the fixed stop <NUM> and the radially inward protruding member <NUM>, although themselves in different planes, both lie in the axial height plane of the elongated peripheral cavity <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the radially outward protruding member <NUM>, the radially inward protruding member <NUM>, the elongated peripheral 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>.

Claim 1:
A medical device support system, 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 free rotating ring (<NUM>) that is rotatable about the rotation axis and is movable relative to the shaft and movable relative to the hub; wherein the shaft includes at least one elongated peripheral cavity (<NUM>) that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral ends of the cavity; 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 (<NUM>) of the hub configured to move between first and second contact faces of a radially outward protruding member (<NUM>) of the free rotating ring, wherein the second rotation range is defined by a radially inward protruding member (<NUM>) of the free rotating ring configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.