US5010876A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Arthroscopic surgical practice
Assignee: Smith and Nephew Inc
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Filing: 1986-06-02
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Granted: 1991-04-30
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Expires: 2006-06-02
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for providing a disposable, sterile cable connector and camera head for use in endoscopic surgery. A novel camera head design is disclosed in combination with the requisite connector cable, and such camera head/cable is adapted for initial sterility and sterile packaging for subsequent singular use and disposal after surgery. The camera head consists of a charge-coupled device type of image sensor assembled in a compact camera head of a type that can be completely sterilized, sealed and packaged for prolonged shelf storage and eventual disposable usage.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary D. Henley
- 👤 Larry B. Milner
- 👤 Clifford A. Dowdy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/04; A61B1/05; A61B1/051; A61B1/042; A61B1/313; A61B1/317; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B46/00; A61B46/10; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/50; H04N23/54; H04N23/555; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; H04N5/77
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
In combination with video monitor, camera control unit, light source and scope instrument for imaging surgical activity, a disposable camera device comprising: an imaging device including control circuitry; a sterilized connector cable of pre-selected length connected to said control circuitry and extending to an external plug connector for connection to said camera control unit; a sterilized camera housing means for containing said imaging device and control circuitry in sealed, fluid-tight disposition, said camera housing means consisting of a generally cylindrical housing bisected to define a first half-housing having sidewall, base portion and sleeve portion, and a second half-housing having sidewall, base portion and sleeve portion for mating engagement as said first and second half-housings are juxtaposed; and sterile container means for enclosing and maintaining said camera housing means and connector cable in sterile storage until opening of the container means for exposure during usage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
In combination with video monitor, camera control unit, light source and scope instrument for imaging surgical activity, a disposable camera device comprising: an imaging device including control circuitry; a sterilized connector cable of pre-selected length connected to said control circuitry and extending to an external plug connector for connection to said camera control unit; a sterilized camera housing means for containing said imaging device and control circuitry in sealed, fluid-tight disposition, said camera housing means consisting of a generally cylindrical housing bisected to define a first half-housing having sidewall, base portion and sleeve portion, and a second half-housing having sidewall, base portion and sleeve portion for mating engagement as said first and second half-housings are juxtaposed; and sterile container means for enclosing and maintaining said camera housing means and connector cable in sterile storage until opening of the container means for exposure during usage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
122 words
An article of manufacture comprising: an imaging device including electronic control circuitry; a sterilized connector cable having multiple conductor and being of pre-selected length having a plug connector on one end and having the other end connected to said control circuitry; a sterilized housing means retaining said imaging device and control circuitry in fluid-tight, sealed connection to said connector cable, said housing means consisting of a generally cylindrical housing bisected to define a first half-housing having side wall, base portion and sleeve portion, and a second half-housing having side wall, base portion and sleeve portion for mating engagement as said first and second half-housings are juxtaposed; and isolation means maintaining said imaging device, connector cable and housing means sterile until disposable usage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
122 words
An article of manufacture comprising: an imaging device including electronic control circuitry; a sterilized connector cable having multiple conductor and being of pre-selected length having a plug connector on one end and having the other end connected to said control circuitry; a sterilized housing means retaining said imaging device and control circuitry in fluid-tight, sealed connection to said connector cable, said housing means consisting of a generally cylindrical housing bisected to define a first half-housing having side wall, base portion and sleeve portion, and a second half-housing having side wall, base portion and sleeve portion for mating engagement as said first and second half-housings are juxtaposed; and isolation means maintaining said imaging device, connector cable and housing means sterile until disposable usage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized to include: a first joinder face including sealing means formed along the bisection on the first half-housing; and a second joinder face including sealing means formed along the bisection on the second half-housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 3 wherein said sealing means comprises: a ring formation extending along one of said first and second joinder faces; and a mating ridge formation extending along the other of said first and second joinder faces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 4 which further comprises: plural doweling pins and holes disposed in spaced, mating positions along each of said first and second joinder faces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 3 which further includes: plural doweling pins and holes disposed in spaced, mating positions along each of said first and second joinder faces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 2 which further includes: high temperature, fluid-tight sealing compound applied between the connector cable and said first and second half-housing sleeve portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cylindrical housing comprises: a light entry bore formed generally axially between said first and second half-housing sidewalls in alignment with said imgaging device; and means for securing a scope instrument to said housing in alignment with said light entry bore.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for securing comprises: threads formed in said light entry bore for receiving said scope instrument in secure threaded engagement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-04-29 | 1994-10-29 | 1995-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-29 | 1998-10-29 | 1999-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-29 | 2002-10-29 | 2003-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |