 Dual shuttle air gun |
| The present invention provides for maximum bubble velocity by allowing for a maximum discharge of ... |
|
| Visualization by ultrasonic detection |
| It is accordingly an object of the present invention to overcome the foregoing and other related ... |
|
| Surface acoustic wave infrared line imaging array |
| The surface acoustic wave infrared line imaging array comprises a first interdigital transducer ... |
|
| Method and apparatus for reflection mode imaging |
| What is claimed is: 1. A method of reflection mode imaging of a property within a volume including ... |
|
| Doppler ultrasound monitor system |
| Turning now to the details of the drawings, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a ... |
|
|
Endoscopic device actuator and method
| Details |
Inventors: Phan, Cu N.; Stoller, Marshall L.;
Assignee: The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)
Primary Examiner: Apley; Richard J.
Assistant Examiner: Jalbert; Karen A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Townsend and Townsend Khourie and Crew
An actuator (2) is used for actuating an auxiliary endoscopic device, such as an irrigation syringe (4), a pronged forcep (98) or a flexible stone-capturing basket (86). The auxiliary endoscopic device has a stationary portion (46) and a portion (62) which moves relative to the stationary portion. The actuator includes a foot pedal assembly (6) having a movable part (14) and a stationary part (12), a housing (8) and a coaxial cable (10). The coaxial cable includes an inner wire (30) and an outer tube (22) fixed at its ends (24, 26) to the movable part of the foot pedal assembly and to the housing. The stationary portion of the auxiliary endoscopic device is secured to the housing while the movable portion is connected to one end of the wire, the other end of the wire being connected to the stationary part of the foot pedal assembly. Accordingly, moving the movable part of the foot pedal assembly, typically by the operator's foot, thigh or elbow, causes the wire to slide back and forth within the elongate tube, thus moving the movable portion of the auxiliary device relative to the stationary portion. This allows the auxiliary endoscopic device to be actuated using one's foot to free up both of the user's hands to operate the endoscope. |
|
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to an actuator which allows the operator of an endoscope to control the movement of an auxiliary endoscopic device using one or more parts of the operator's body other than the operator's hands, such as a foot, a thigh or an elbow.
Doing so leaves both of the operator's hands free to control the endoscope.
The actuator is used to actuate auxiliary endoscopic devices, such as irrigation syringes, pronged forceps or flexible stone-capturing baskets.
Each auxiliary endoscopic device has a relatively stationary portion and a portion which moves relative to the stationary portion.
The actuator typically includes a pedal, a housing and, in a preferred embodiment, a coaxial cable connecting the two.
The coaxial cable includes an outer, elongate tube, fixed at either end to the foot pedal and to the housing, and an inner wire.
The stationary portion of the auxiliary endoscopic device is secured to the housing while the movable portion is connected to one end of the wire.
The other end of the wire is connected to the pedal.
Accordingly, moving the pedal, typically by the operator's foot, thigh or elbow, causes the wire to slide back and forth within the elongate tube, thus moving the movable portion of the auxiliary device relative to the stationary portion.
This allows the auxiliary endoscopic device to be actuated by the operator while freeing up the operator's hands to operate the endoscope.
One of the main features of the invention is the recognition that the operator of an endoscope may be able to control the physical movement of an auxiliary endoscopic device using a body part other than one's hands, such as his or her foot, thigh or elbow.
Doing so frees up the operator's hands to continue operating the endoscope while maintaining the operator's own control over the physical manipulation of the auxiliary endoscopic device.
The need to provide instructions to and rely on assistants to operate auxiliary endoscopic devices can thus be minimized or eliminated
|
|
Communications 
