ARTICULATION JOINT FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE
Номер патента: US20130261396A1. Автор: BOULAIS Dennis R., KIROUAC Andrew P., MACNAMARA Francis T.. Владелец: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.. Дата публикации: 03-10-2013.A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories. 18-. (canceled)9. An articulation joint , comprising:an elongate member;a central lumen disposed through the elongate member;a plurality of lumens disposed through a wall of the elongate member; and each living hinge is disposed between a pair of opposing apertures in the wall of the elongate member; and', 'longitudinally adjacent living hinges are circumferentially offset from each other., 'the elongate member including a plurality of living hinges, wherein10. The articulation joint of claim 9 , wherein longitudinally adjacent living hinges are disposed about 90° from one another.11. The articulation joint of claim 9 , wherein longitudinally adjacent living hinges are disposed about 120° from one another.12. The articulation joint of claim 9 , wherein the opposing apertures are V-shaped.13. The articulation joint of claim 9 , wherein each living hinge has a closing angle of about 30°.14. The articulation joint of claim 9 , wherein:the elongate member further includes alternating sections formed from a first material and a second material; andthe first material has a higher durometer than the second material.15. The articulation joint of claim 14 , further including a plurality of lumens extending through the elongate member along a longitudinal axis claim 14 , wherein the plurality of lumens are disposed only through sections formed from the first ...