Abstract: An endoscope device comprises a handle, a shaft projecting from the handle, a flexible tip coupled to the distal portion of the shaft; and first and second pull wires extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip. The handle portion includes a control wheel assembly coupled to proximal ends of the first and second pull wires. The control wheel assembly comprises a control wheel having a disc-shaped body rotationally mounted within the handle and having an outer perimeter and a first surface and first and second pull wire troughs provided on the first surface for receiving the proximal ends of the first and second pull wires, respectively. Positioning of the first and second pull wires within the first and second pull wire troughs is performed independently to provide accurate tensioning of the first and second pull wires during assembly of the endoscope device.

Abstract: A method of assembling an endoscope includes inserting a pair of pull wires through an endoscope shaft, coupling distal ends of the pair of pull wires to a distal end of an endoscope shaft, coupling proximal ends of the pair of pull wires to a control wheel assembly, rotationally securing the control wheel assembly into a handle of the endoscope device, and coupling a control level to the control wheel assembly via an opening in the handle. Manipulation of the control lever causes rotation of the control wheel assembly, which then causes deflection of the distal end of the endoscope shaft via the pull wires. The control wheel assembly includes an arcuate member that covers at least a portion of the control wheel assembly to prevent external contaminants from entering the opening in the handle adjacent the control lever.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises a handle, a shaft projecting from the handle, wherein the shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion relative to the handle, a flexible tip coupled to the distal portion of the shaft, a pair of pull wires extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip, a control wheel assembly rotationally secured within the handle and operatively coupled to the pair of pull wires, and a control lever coupled to the control wheel assembly via an opening in the handle. Manipulation of the control lever causes rotation of the control wheel assembly, which then causes deflection of the flexible tip via the pull wires. The control wheel assembly includes an arcuate member that covers at least a portion of the control wheel assembly to prevent external contaminants from entering the opening in the handle adjacent the control lever.

Abstract: An endoscope system, comprises an endoscope device that includes a handle, a shaft projecting from the handle, a flexible tip coupled to a distal portion of the shaft, and a pair of pull wires extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip. The handle portion includes a control wheel assembly coupled to the pair of pull wires. The handle includes a control lever coupled to the control wheel assembly. Manipulation of the control lever causes rotation of the control wheel assembly, which then causes deflection of the flexible tip via the pull wires. The control wheel assembly comprises at least two control wheels. Each of the at least two control wheels are capable of independent rotation to provide accurate tensioning of the pair of pull wires during assembly of the endoscope system.

Abstract: An endoscope system, comprises an endoscope device that includes a handle, a shaft projecting from the handle, a flexible tip coupled to a distal portion of the shaft, and a pair of pull wires extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip. The handle portion includes a control wheel assembly coupled to the pair of pull wires. The handle includes a control lever coupled to the control wheel assembly. Manipulation of the control lever causes rotation of the control wheel assembly, which then causes deflection of the flexible tip via the pull wires. The control wheel assembly comprises at least two control wheels. Each of the at least two control wheels are capable of independent rotation to provide accurate tensioning of the pair of pull wires during assembly of the endoscope system.