Abstract: A drive system for a handheld rotary medical device including a force absorption system incorporated in a drive coupling of the drive system is disclosed. The force absorption system may be included in the drive coupling whereby force absorption system absorbs linear forces aligned with a longitudinal axis of the drive coupling. As such, the force absorption system permits limited linear movement of a rotary surgical implement, which may be a shaver, burr or the like, relative to a drive shaft and handheld housing.

Abstract: A rotation mechanism (rotating device) that can be easily accessed by the surgeon's finger to rotate an endoscope or similar instrument. The rotation mechanism is a device/component with a “starfish” configuration, which can be attached to the endoscope/arthroscope just distal to the eyepiece (or to an alternate attachment to a camera). The starfish component has a plurality of projections that extend radially from the endoscope axis, and beyond the diameter of the mechanism on the camera head that grasps the arthroscope eyecup. The projections can be easily accessed by the surgeon's finger to rotate the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing a light guide to a light source. The light guide has an end termination having a predetermined size and the light source has an opening with an axis for receiving the end termination. The opening is adaptable to receive and grip light guides of different sizes. In one aspect of the invention, an actuator is operable to expand and shrink the opening. In another aspect of the invention, one or more shields are provided to block light from exiting the light source except when a light guide is connected to the light source.

Abstract: A shock mounting system for a 3-chip video camera. The system comprises a prism mounting bracket with a pair of laterally spaced support legs. A standard 3 chip color camera is received between the support legs and a plurality of elastomeric plugs are molded to fit between the camera assembly and the housing within which it is situated. The elastomeric plugs are formed from flowable elastomeric material injected into molding chambers formed during the assembly process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing a light guide to a light source. The light guide has an end termination having a predetermined size and the light source has an opening with an axis for receiving the end termination. The opening is adaptable to receive and grip light guides of different sizes. In one aspect of the invention, an actuator is operable to expand and shrink the opening. In another aspect of the invention, one or more shields are provided to block light from exiting the light source except when a light guide is connected to the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing a light guide to a light source. The light guide has an end termination having a predetermined size and the light source has an opening with an axis for receiving the end termination. The opening is adaptable to receive and grip light guides of different sizes. In one aspect of the invention, an actuator is operable to expand and shrink the opening. In another aspect of the invention, one or more shields are provided to block light from exiting the light source except when a light guide is connected to the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing a light guide to a light source. The light guide has an end termination having a predetermined size and the light source has an opening with an axis for receiving the end termination. The opening is adaptable to receive and grip light guides of different sizes. In one aspect of the invention, an actuator is operable to expand and shrink the opening. In another aspect of the invention, one or more shields are provided to block light from exiting the light source except when a light guide is connected to the light source.

Abstract: A rotatable endoscope coupler which enables an endoscope to be rotatably attached to a camera and selectively locked in place. The coupler enables single handed rotation of the scope while the camera remains in a fixed orientation. A plurality of ceramic ball bearings riding in a stainless steel race enable the coupler to be repeatedly autoclaved. A locking mechanism allows the scope and camera to be fixed from relative rotation.

Abstract: A rotatable endoscope coupler which enables an endoscope to be rotatably attached to a camera and selectively locked in place. The coupler enables single handed rotation of the scope while the camera remains in a fixed orientation. A plurality of ceramic ball bearings riding in a stainless steel race enable the coupler to be repeatedly autoclaved.

Abstract: A shock mounting system for a 3-chip video camera. The system comprises a prism mounting bracket with a pair of laterally spaced support legs. A standard 3 chip color camera is received between the support legs and a plurality of elastomeric plugs are molded to fit between the camera assembly and the housing within which it is situated. The elastomeric plugs are formed from flowable elastomeric material injected into molding chambers formed during the assembly process.

Abstract: A rocker switch on an endoscopic camera allows multiple functions from a single Hall effect sensor. The switch features a neutral position between a rocked forward and a rocked back position. When the front of the switch is depressed a dome spring under the front is flattened and the magnet located in the rear is moved away from the sensor. Releasing the switch returns it to the neutral position. Depressing the rear of the switch brings the magnet closer to the Hall effect sensor while depressing another dome spring under the rear of the switch. Again, releasing the switch returns it to the neutral position.

Abstract: A sheath is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The sheath is provided with a housing having a proximally facing opening with a U-shaped notch. The endoscope has at the proximal end a right-angle light post which and is received closely within the U-shaped notch at the proximal opening of the sheath housing. A locking mechanism is provided including a pivotable latch having a distal end configured to be received within a notch formed on the endoscope housing distal to and diametrically opposed from the light post. The latch includes a spring tending to bias the distal portion thereof into engagement with the notch in the endoscope housing. A resilient O-ring is provided at the distal end of a recess in the sheath housing. A shoulder on the distal end of the proximal portion of the endoscope compresses the O-ring when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A sheath is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The sheath is provided with a housing having a proximally facing opening with a U-shaped notch. The endoscope has at the proximal end a right-angle light post which and is received closely within the U-shaped notch at the proximal opening of the sheath housing. A locking mechanism is provided including a pivotable latch having a distal end configured to be received within a notch formed on the endoscope housing distal to and diametrically opposed from the light post. The latch includes a spring tending to bias the distal portion thereof into engagement with the notch in the endoscope housing. A resilient O-ring is provided at the distal end of a recess in the sheath housing. A shoulder on the distal end of the proximal portion of the endoscope compresses the O-ring when the latch is engaged.