Patent ID: 7597662

Claim:
An interface between an endoscope shaft proximal end connector and a console, the console and proximal end connector having a first set of separate mating connectors that mate for control of the endoscope, the first set of separate mating connectors including a set of mating connectors of the console and a set of mating connectors of the proximal end connector, said interface comprising: a lever mounted on the console moveable between a first position and a second position; a cam rotated by the lever; a sliding plate mounted on the console adjacent to the set of mating connectors of the console, including a cam follower that engages the cam; the sliding plate being moveable relative to the console between a receiving position when the lever is in the first position and an operating position when the lever is in the second position, the sliding plate being adapted to receive the proximal end connector of the endoscope shaft when the lever is in the first position such that the set of mating connectors of the console and the set of mating connectors of the proximal end connector are in a non-mating relationship and to engage the set of mating connectors of the proximal end connector and the set of mating connectors of the console in a mating relationship when the lever is moved to the second position.