Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coordinating the operation of multiple devices actuated by foot pedal operated switches. A housing has a lid movably mounted thereto and defines a recess therewithin. A foot pedal assembly has a pedal member which is downwardly movable and which is adapted to be depressed by downward pressure exerted by the foot of a user. The foot pedal assembly has a first switch operatively associated therewith which is actuated by a downward movement of the pedal member. The foot pedal assembly is disposed within the recess defined within the housing such that a downward movement of the lid displaces the pedal member of the foot pedal assembly to actuate the first switch. A second switch is disposed such that the downward movement of the lid of the housing also actuates the second switch. Downward movement of the lid actuates the first and second switches together to concurrently change the states of first and second devices operatively associated with the first and second switches.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a video fluoroscope generating a video output signal in NTSC video format and a video endoscope generating a video output signal in RGB video format. The two video output signals are input into a photo archiving computer video component for archiving and storing still video images on a suitable storage medium. The photo archiving computer is capable of operating in either RGB mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in RGB video format, or in NTSC video mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in NTSC video format. The photo archiving computer has a keyboard associated with it and is responsive to a predetermined keyboard sequence for selecting from between RGB and NTSC video modes for operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for preventing accidental overradiation of a patient in surgical procedures involving both fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Video outputs from the endoscope and fluoroscope are connected to a switching device. The endoscope generates a video signal having a first video format, and the fluoroscope generates a video signal having a second video format. The physician uses the switching device to select from between the endoscope video output and the fluoroscope video output for viewing on a video monitor which accepts a video signal of a predetermined video format. The switching device is operable to convert at least one of the endoscope video signal or the fluoroscope video signal to the predetermined video format which the monitor accepts. When the endoscope video output is selected for viewing, the switching device automatically deactivates the X-ray generator of the fluoroscope.