Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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lL255/7U5 ( 6223L)
HEAD MOUNTED ILLUMINATION AND CAMERA ASSE2~BLY
F I ELD OF THE I NVENT I ON
This invention relates generally to head mounted apparatus
S for illuminating manual operations, and more particularly, a
head mounted illumination and camera assembly for perm:itting
remote viewing of surgical operations.
. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
~ In the operating room, and in other locations where manual
:1 l0work is being performed by an individual on very fine objects,
in deep cavities, or in hard-to-reach ?laces, often it is
impossible for others to observe the operations being performed
without interfering with the movements of the worker In
particular, with regard to surgeons, it is often desirable or
even necessary for students or for those assisting in the
operation to observe the surgery. Because most surgery is
conducted in deep body cavities or in other hard-to-reach
locations, it is impossible for an observer to properly view
the surgery by looking over the surgeon's shoulder. In
addition, these observations are best conducted at a remote
,location, to avoid interfering with the surgeon. One prior art
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solution to this problem is dolly-mounted or overhead cameras,
to allow remote viewing, but even these devices often cannot
provide the observer with an adequate view of the operation.
Surgical operations and other fine work performed in hard
to reach places require adequate illumination of the work
area. This is especially true if the operation is to be viewed
by others at a remote location by means of a television or
other type of camera. Ade~uate illumination of deep cavities
and the liXe can only be provided by a light source under the
control of the surgeon.
In recent years, surgeons generally have used head mounted
; systems both to provide the illumination required, and to
provide observers with an ade~uate view of the surgery. One
example of such a combination illumination and camera system is
found in United States Patent No. 4,051,534 in which the
focusing and aiming optics of the camera are remotely
controlled, while the surgeon controls the location of the
illumination by movement of his head. This system has certain
drawbacks, because the mirrors which reflect the image into the
camera lens are located on top of the surgeon's head, and do
not provide an accurate view of what the surgeon is seeing.
This can be a problem, especially where the operation is
occurring in a deep body cavity, or in other hard-to-see
locations. The surgeon has no direct control over the movement
of the mirrors for the television camera, and the television
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mirrors have limited adjustability, which restric~s their
permissible field of vision. The light source of this prior
art device can only be adjusted by loosening and tightening a
mounting screw, so that the surgeon can quickly adjust the
location of the light source only by moving his head.
Another example of a head mounted illumination and viewing
apparatus is that found in United States Patent No. 4,616,257
assigned to the assignee of the present application. This
system overco~es many of the problems found in other prior art
systems such as that ~escribed above, by placing the viewing
lens as well as the illumination lens between the surgeon's
eyes, so that the remote viewer sees essentially what the
surgeon is seeing. However, one drawback to this system is
that the illumination lens and the viewing lens are positioned
one above the other and both are fixedly mounted in a single
housing. Also, the center lines thereof are nearly parallel.
As a result, when the surgeon is working in a position in which
his face is very close to the operation site, when the light
source is positioned to properly illuminate the surgical site,
the viewing lens is centered on a location spaced from the
site, and the remote viewer is unable to see clearly what the
surgeon is doing. At best, the surgical site appears on the
periphery of the area being viewed, and not in the center of
the picture. Conversely, if the surgical site is centered on
the viewing lens over such short distances, the site may not be
adequately illuminated.
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Surgical head lamps without attached television cameras
also are well known, and examples are found in the following
United States Patents: Nos. 2,651,301; 3,645,~54; 3,745,993;
; 3,83~,~30; 3,951,139; 4,102,333; 4,290,422; and 4,516,190.
Head mounted cameras without illumination systems also are well
known, and examples are found in the following United States
Patents: Nos. 4,395,731 and 4,516,157.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
head mounted illumination and camera assembly in which both the
illumination source and the viewing lens can be independently
and easily manipulated by the surgeon so that the surgical site
can be both adequately illumînated and clearly viewed at a
remote location.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a head
mounted illumination and camera assembly which permits easy
replacement of the viewing lens and/or illumination source.
It is another further object of this invention to provide a
head mounted illumination and camera assembly in which the
elevational angle of the viewing lens and the elevational angle
of the illumination source are manually adjustable either
independently or in unison.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the above and other objects of this
inventior., a head mounted illumination and camera assembly is
25 provided in which the camera lens and the illumination source
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can be manipulated easily by the surgeon either independently
or in unison, and in which the viewing lens is positioned
between the eyes of the surgeon to provide the remote observer
with an accurate picture of what the surgeon is seeing. More
particularly, both the viewing lens and the illuminating lens
are pivotally mounted in closely spaced vertical relation to a
bracket which is pivotally mounted to the headband. This
arrangement permits independent or unitary manipulation of the
elevational anyles thereof so that the viewing lens and the
illuminating lens can always be directed to the precise
location desired by the surgeon, regardless of the distance to
the surgical site.
In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated arm is
provided which is pivotally mounted to the head band. The
illuminating lens system is pivotally mounted at one end of the
arm, while the viewing lens is pivotally attached to the arm at
a point inter~ediate the illuminating lens and the head band
mount. In another embodiment of the invention, a generally
triangular shaped bracket is provided having a pivot point
disposed at each of its vertices. The head band mount is
pivotally attached at one pivot point, while the illumlnation
s~stem is pivotally attached at another pivot point, and the
viewing lens is pivotally attached at the third pivot point.
Both the viewing lens and the illumination lens can be
removed and replaced by other suitable systems, if desired, to
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provide the surgeon with a high degree of flexibility in
selecting the desired type of illumination source and viewing
lens. Replacement of the viewing lens is facilitated by the
provision of a threadable coupling between the viewing lens and
its housing. The illumination source includes a housing that
is inserted into a ring, and that is held in place in the ring
by an O-ring gasket which seats in a groove in the housing.
Fiber optics are used in the illumination system, whi:le the
viewing lens includes an integrated circuit chip actin~ as a
light to electrical signal transducer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the
head mounted illumination and camera assembly of this invention
mounted on a user's head;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the remote power supply and
processing circuits for the apparatus of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the camera portion of the
apparatus of FIG. l;
FIG. 4 is a partially cut away front view of the camera of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional side view of the camera
of FIG. 3;
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FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, side view of the
illumination source, bracket and head band of the apparatus of
FIG. l;
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the illumination
s source of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway, top view of the arm of the
assembly of FIG. l;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the head mounted illumination and camera assembly
of this invention mounted on a user's head;
FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of the
bracket of the assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the illumination
; source of the assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway bottom view of the arm of
the illumination source of FIG. 11; and
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the illumination
source of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown one embodiment
of a head mounted camera and illumination assembly 10 of this
invention. Assembly 10 includes head band 20, illumination
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system 22, camera 24, and bracket 25. Head band 20 is shown
mounted on the head 26 of a user, such as a surgeon, whose eyes
~ 25 are indicated by reference numeral 28~ Head band 20 includes a
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top strap 30 which passes over the top of head 26, a front
strap 32 for attachment of assemblies 22 and 24, and rear strap
34. Strap 34 includes a conventional mechanism for adjustment
of the size of the head band to head 26. Strap 34 is split
into two portions which fit into a hollow arcuate shaped member
35 in overlapping relation. Member 35 is provided with teeth
on its interior ~not shown) which are adapted to mesh with a
pinion (not shown) rotated by means of exterior knob 36 to
adjust the effective periphery of straps 3g and 32. Strap 32
typically has a layer of soft foam 33 or other type o padding
disposed on the inner surface thereof to protect head 26.
Strap 32 also contains peg 106 having groove 107 extending
around the outer surface thereof for attachment of bracket 25.
Illumination system 22 includes light 38, ring 40, ar.d
fiber optic cable 42. Ring 40 is pivotally mounted onto
bracket 25 by flange 41 as will be described. Cable 42 is a
conventional fiber optic cable and couples light 38 to a remote
light source 60 (FIG. 2) to which one end of cable 42 is
attached. Cable 42 passes over the top of the surgeon's head
26 and down the back of head band 20 to light source 60 and it
: is held in place by snap 62 on strap 3~0 Cable 42 includes
; plug 56 which has a groove 54 extending around its outer
` surface.
Light 38 will now be described with particular reference to
FIG. 7. Light 38 includes a lower housing 44 containing a lens
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system an~ an upper housing 46. Lower housing 44 of light 38
is conventional and includes a field lens 48. Upper housing 46
includes a socket 55 adapted to receive plug 56 of fiber optic
cable 4~ and a condenser lens assembly 50. A recessed spring
52 is disposed on the inner surface of socket 55 and is adapted
to seat in groove 54 of cable plug 56 to hold the plug in place
within the socket facing lens assembly 150. A groove 59
extends around the entire circumference of the outer surface of
upper housing 46. An O-ring gasket 61 is urged over lip 63 of
upper housing g6 to seat in groove 59 after upper housing 46 is
inserted into and through ring 40, so that groove 5g is exposed
on the opposite side of ring 40. Gasket 61 limits movement of
light 38 in one axial direction, while gasket 67 on an outer
shoulder of housing 46 limits movement of light 38 in the other
axial direction with respect to ring ~0. The interior surface
of ring 40 includes a pair of axially spaced, recessed,
parallel O-ring gaskets 58, which act as frictional bearings.
Flexible gaskets 58 hold housing 46 tightly in place when it is
not being intentionally moved, but allow light 38 to be
replaced or removed by removal of gasket 61. Ring 40 may also
include one or more set screws 41 which can be tightened to
secure upper housing 46 within ring 40 to prevent rotational or
other movement thereof during use. Diferent lights 38 can be
' used depending upon the particular needs of the surgeon
relating to the field of view and the strength of the light.
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Camera 24 will now be described with reference to FIGS.
3-5. Camera 24 includes a viewing lens 64, a transducer 66,
housing 68, and a communications cable 70. Camera 24 is
similar to that disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,616,257
assigned to the assignee of the present application. Lens 64
can be either a fixed focus lens, or a variable focus lens.
Lens 64 is typically threadably mounted onto housing 68 to
permit easy removal or replacement. If lens 64 is a variable
focus lens, a removable ring 72 is provided on the exterior
surface of the housing o~ lens 64. Ring 72 can be removed and
inde~endently sterilized prior to use to permit the surgeon to
adjust the focus o~ the lens during the operating procedure
without fear of contamination. Transducer 66 preferably is an
integrated circuit chip and is located within housing 68 behind
lens 64. Transducer 66 converts visual images into electrical
signals which are transmitted to conventional camera signal
processing circuits 74 (FIG. 2) via cable 70 for eventual
remote display on a television screen (not shown). Camera 24
may also include a microphone 76 for recording the surgeon's
comments on the procedure. A cable 78 couples microphone 76 to
;communications cable 70 which transmits the resulting audio
signal to processing circuits 74 for recording and~or
broadcasting thereof to the remote viewer.
~,Transducer 66 is a conventional light to electrical
transducer, and one example is a transducer made by Sony under
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the product designation Type lCX016K. Such a Sony transducer
has 384 horizontal picture elements and 491 vertical picture
elements with a sensing area of 8.8 millimeters by 6.6
millimeters. Its horizontal drive frequency is 7.16 MHZ and
5 its vertical drive frequency is 15.75 KHZ. Its structure is
that of an interline transfer charge couple device and the cell
size is 23.0 micrometers ~horizontal) by 13.4 micrometers
(vertical). Another preferred example is a transducer made by
Panasonic under the product designation MN373~F. This
transducer has 422 horizontal picture elements and 489 vertical
pict~lre elements with a sensing area of 6.41 millimeters in the
horizontal direction by 4.89 millimeters in the-vertical
direction. Its horizontal drive frequency is 10.8 MHZ, and its
vertical drive fre~uency is 15.75 KHZ. The cell size is 10
micrometers (vertical) by 15.2 micrometers (horizontal).
~ racket 25 will now be described with particular reference
to FIG. 6. As can be seen, bracket 25 is an elongated arm and
is formed of segments 94 and 98 which are pivotally connected
at one end of segment 98 at pivot 100. Ring 40 is pivotally
coupled to bracket 25 at an opposite end of segment 98 at pivot
104. Finger 88 for mounting of camera 24 is pivotally secured
to brac~et 25 by flange 89 at a pivot 102 intermediate pivots
100 and 104. Segment 94 is formed of two arms 94a and 94b
which are typically generally orthogonal to one another. Arm
94b mounts bracket 25 to head band 20 and includes an a~erture
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108 having a spring ~iased ball 110 which is adapted to accept
peg 106 of strap 32. Ball 110 is adapted to seat in groove 107
to provide a removable, snap fit between peg 106 and bracket
25.
Segment 98 is elongated and in a preferred embodiment, as
shown in Fig. 6, and is generally V-shaped with two portions 96
and 97 forming an obtuse angle with respect to one another.
However, in alternative embodiments, portions 96 and 97 could
e~tend at a right angle or an acute with respect to one
another, or segment 98 could be straight,
In any event, typically, segment 98 consists of two
identical, spaced links 98a and 98b disposed directly opposite
one another, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Arm 94a extends between
links 98a and 98b at pivot 100, while flange 41 of ring 40
extends between links 98a and 98b at pivot 104. Flange 89
extends between links 98a and 9~b at pivot 102, which is
preferably, although not necessarily, at the juncture of
portions 96 and 97.
Pivots 100, 102 and 104 can comprise any conventional
pivotal connecting means which provide a friction fit so that
once the segments are pivoted with respect to one another, they
will remain in the desired position, until the application of a
further pivoting force. Pivots 100, 102 and 104 each typically
~`! consist of two screw halves 108 and 110 which are disposed on
opposite sides of each pivot adjacent lin~s 98a and 98b
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respectively and which are threadably coupled together through
holes in the segments 94 and 98. Screw halves 108 and llo have
enlarged heads to hold the links 98a and 98b together when
screw halves 108 and 110 are threadably coupled. Screw halves
108 and llo are locked in position with a set screw 112. Each
pivot has two spaced Belleville springs 114 which are captured
in place by halves 108 and 110 and which provide the desired
friction at the pivot. At pivot 104, springs 114 are disposed
on oppositë sides of flange 41, one spring 114 between flange
41 and each of links 98a and 98b. At pivot 102, springs 114
are disposed on opposite sidés of arm 94a, one spring 114
between arm 94a and each of links 98a and 98b. At pivot 102,
springs 114 are disposed on opposite sides of flange 89, one
spring 114 between flange 89 and each of links 98a and 98b.
The amount of friction at each pivot can be decreased or
increased by increasing or decreasing respectively the spacing
between screw halves 108 and 110.
The manner in which camera 24 is mounted onto head band 20
will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 1, 4
and 6. Camera 24 is provided with a mounting bracket 80 which
contains two apertures 82. Each of these apertures is provided
with a recessed, spring biased ball 84 which is held in place
by plate 86. Plate 91 of finger 88 includes a pair of pegs
90. Each peg 90 includes a groove 92 around the outer
~: 25 circumference thereof. Camera 24 is mounted onto finger 88 by
forcing pegs 90 through corresponding apertures 82 to urge
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balls 84 upwardly until they seat in respective grooves 92,
thereby holding camera 24 in place. In this manner, camera 24
can be easily replaced as necessary simply by snapping it on
and off pegs 90.
As shown in FIG. 4, the transverse dimension of housing 68
of camera 24 is sufficiently small that camera 24 can reside
between eyes 28 of the surgeon without interfering with his
vision. Preferably, lens 64 is roughly aligned with eyes 28 of
the surgeon, so that the camera sees the same view as the
surgeon. Preferably, line C-C representing the line of sight
of eyes 28 is nearly aligned with center line B-B of lens 64.
Light 38 is positioned slightly above camera 24, so that center
line A-A of lens 48 forms an acute angle with respect to center
lines B-B and C-C. Ideally, center line A-A of lens 48 and
center lines B-B and C-C all intersect at the surgical site.
The present invention permits the surgeon to maintain such an
ideal relationship regardless of his position because of the
articulated nature of bracket 25. The surgeon can easily
manually adjust the elevational angle of the center line A-A of
lens 48 of light 38 and of the center line B-B of lens 64 of
camera 24 independently, or in unison. For example, light 38
and camera 24 can be adjusted in unison to maintain constant
the relative angle between center lines A-A and B-B by pivoting
the entire assembly only about pivot 100. If the surgeon is
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satisfied with the elevational angle of center line B-B of
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camera 24 but not with the elevational angle of center line ~-A
of light 38, the angle of center line A-A can be adjusted with
respect to both head band 20 and the angle of camera 24 by
pivoting snap ring 40 about pivot 104 independently of head
band 20 and camera 24. Similarly, if the surgeQn wishes to
adjust the elevational angle of center line B-B of camera 24
with respect to light 38 and head band 20, finger 88 can be
pivoted about pivot 102 independently of light 38 and head band
20,
Although this embodlment of the invention was described in
conjunction with a preferred removable mounting of bracket 25
to head band 20, including pegs 106 and apertures 108, bracket
25 could also be fixedly mounted onto head band 20 in a known
manner, such as by the use of screws or nuts and bolts (not
shown).
Another embodiment of this invention will now be described
with particular reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In this
embodiment, head band 20 and camera 24 are identical to those
found in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, and they will not be
2~ described again in detail. Like numbers will be used for like
parts, where possible. The primary difference between the
embodiment of FIGS. 9 and lO, and that of FIGS. 1-8, is in the
shape of the bracket. A different embodiment of the light is
also shown for purposes of illustration, although light 38
could also be used with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and lO, and
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light 150 could be used with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. As
shown in FIG. 9, bracket 120 interconnects head band 20 with
camera 24 and light 150. Bracket 120 has a generally
triangular shape, with a pivot 122, 124 and 126 disposed
approximately at each vertex. Segment 94 attaches bracket 120
to head band 20. Arm 94b is removably attachable to strap 32,
as previously described, while arm 94a is pivotally mounted to
bracket 120 at pivot 122. Camera 24 is pivotally mounted to
bracket 120 at pivot 124 by bracket 128. ~ing 40 is pivotally
mounted to bracket 120 at pivot 126.
Pivots 122, 124, and 126 are each similar to pivots 100,
102 and 104. As shown in FIG. 10, bracket 120 comprises two
identically shaped triangular plates 130 and 132. Arm 94a of
segment 94, projection 127 of bracket 128, and projection 134
of ring 40 each extends between plates 130 and 132 at its
respective pivot 122, 124 and 126. Arm 94a, projection 127 and
projection 134 each has a hole passing therethrough. Each
pivot 122, 124 and 126 includes two screw halves 136 and 138
which are threadably coupled together through the holes (not
shown) in projection 134, projection 127 and arm ~4a and
through corresponding holes (not shown) in plates 130 and 132.
Screw halves 136 and 138 are held together by set screw 140.
The required friction at each pivot is supplied by two
Belleville springs 142. One Belleville spring 142 is
positioned at each pivot 126, 124 and 122 between pro]ection
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134, projection 127 and arm 94a ~espectively and plate 130,
while another spring 142 is positioned at each pivot 126, 124
and 122 between projection 134, projection 127 and arm 94a
respectively and plate 132. The friction at each pivot can be
adjusted as required by adjusting the spacing between screw
halves 136 and 138.
Camera 24 is shown in FIG. 9 as being fixedly mounted to
elongated bracket 128 by screws 144. However, camera 24 also
can be mounted onto bracket 128 using a snap fitting peg, as
shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. Conversely, :in the
embodlment of FIGS. 1-8, camera 24 can be fixedly mounted onto
finger 88, such as by screws, as shown in FIG. 9. The two
methods of mounting camera 24 are interchangeable.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the center line B-B of
lens 64 is very close to the line of sight C-C of eyes 28.
Similarly, the center line A-A of lens 48 of light 38 is
disposed at an acute angle with respect to the center line B-B
of lens 64 and provides a broad illumination of the operation
site. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, camera 24
is positioned closer to the eye of the user than in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, and the angle between the center line
B-B of lens 64 and the center line A-A of lens 48 of light 3
is somewhat smaller than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8.
As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, independent manipulation
of the elevational angle of the camera and li~ht is possible.
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The angular relationship between the center line A-A of the
lens 48 of light 38 and the center line B-B of the lens 64 of
camera 24 can be maintained while adjusting the elevational
angle of both center lines A-A and B-B together by pivoting
bracket 120 about pivot 122 with respect to head band 20. The
elevational angle of center line B-B for the lens 64 of camera
24 can be adjusted independently of both light 38 and head band
20 by pivoting bracket 128 about pivot 124. Finally, the
elevational angle of center line A-A for the lens 48 of light
38 can be adjusted independently of camera 24 and of head band
20 by pivotiny ring 40 about pivot 126.
Light 150 will now be described with particular reference
to FIGS. 9, 11, 12 and 13. Although light l5a is shown, for
purposes of illustration, as being used only in conjunction
with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, light 150 also may be
used in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8.
Conversely, light 38 can be used in conjunction with the
embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. The two embodiments are designed
to use lights 38 and 150 interchangeably.
Light 150 includes lens portion 152, mounting portion 154,
and coupling 156 interconnecting portion 154 with portion 152.
Portion 154 typically is hollow and is somewhat similar to
upper housing 46 of FIGS. 1-8, Portion 154 includes a
circumferentially extending groove 158 into which 0-ring gasket
61 is snapped after portion 154 has been inserted into and
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through ring 40 so that groove 158 is exposed on the opposite
side thereof, as previously described for housing 46. Portion
154 includes a flange 160 at the end closest to coupling 156 to
limit axial travel of portion 154 into rlng 40. Gasket 61 and
flange 160 both limit unwanted axial movement of portion 154
with respect to ring 40, while gaskets 58 act as frictional
bearings to provide a tight connection which prevents undesired
movement of light 150 with respect to ring 40 during use. Set
screws ~1 can also be utilized to furth0r secure portion 154
within ring 40 to prevent rotational movement thereoE.
Coupling 156, as shown in FIG. 2, includes one segment
162. Segment 162 is formed of two identical, spaced links 162a
and 162b. A pivot 164 is disposed at each end of segment 162.
Portion 154 is pivotally connected to segment 162 at one of
pivots 164 by projection 167 which extends between linXs 162a
and 162b. Portion 152 is pivotally connected to segment 162 at
the other of pivots 164 by projection 166 which extends between
links 162a and 162b. The two screw halves 168 of each pivot
164 are threadably coupled together, capturing links 162a and
162b and projections 166 and 167 therebetween. A set screw 170
holds the assembly together at each pivot 164. Two Belleville
springs 172 are provided at each pivot, one spring 172 being
. positioned between link 162a and one surface of projection 166
or proiection 167, and another spring 172 being positioned
between link 162b and the other surface of projection 166 or
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projection 167. As previously described, Belleville springs
17~ provide the desired holding friction while permitting
pivotal motion about each pivot 164 upon application of a
pivoting force of a predetermined amount.
Lens portion 152, which is substantially identical to that
shown in United States Patent No. 4,516,190 assigned to the
assignee of the present application, will now be described with
particular reference to FIGS. 9 and 13. Lens portion 152
includes sleeve 184, fiber optic cable 186, field lens 174,
reflector 176, and a condenser lens assembly 178. A recessed
spring 182 disposed in sleeve 184 is adapted to snap intG a
recess (not shown) in right angle connector 188 of fiber optic
cable 186 to hold connector 188 in a position facing lens
assembly 178. Reflector 176 is formed of glass with a
reflective coating disposed on the front surface. The optical
axis C-C of lens 174 is centered on reflector 176, and the
optical axis D-D of lens assembly 178 is also centered on
reflector 176. Typically, the optical axis of lens assembly
178 is orthogonal to the optical axis of lens 174. ~ight
2~ entering through fiber optic cable 186 is focused by lens
assembly 178 and is collimated into a beam which passes through
field lens 174 with a predetermined spot diameter at an angle
of 90 degrees from the axis of entry. If desired, an iris
assembly (not shown) can be inserted to provide a variable spot
diameter by changing the diameter of the illuminating beam.
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A joy stick l9o may also be provided. Joy stick 19~ is
threadably coupled to portion 152 by means of a threaded hole
192. Joy stick 190 is removable, so that it can be sterilized
or autoclaved prior to surgery, so that the surgeon may use joy
stick l9o to adjust the elevational angle of center line C-C of
lens 174 during surgery without fear of contamination. Joy
stick 190 includes a grip 194 at its distal end. Typically,
joy stick 190 is aligned substantially normal to reflector
176.
The particular arrangelnent of coupling 156 and the
provision of joy stick 190 allows the surgeon to have further
control over the elevational angle of the center line C-C of
lens 174 of light 150. Light 150 can be adjusted not only to
vary the elevational angle of center line C-C with respect to
the center line B-B of the lens 64 of camera 24, light 150 can
also be moved vertically and horizontally to change the spacing
between center lines B-B and C-C, and to move light 150 toward
and away from head band 20. These adjustments can be made
during the course of surgery as required. Thus, if the surgeon
decides, during surgery, to move his head closer to the
surgical site, the light can be readily adjusted so that the
center line of lens 64 and the center line of lens 174 both
intersect at the surgical site. In this manner, superior
illumination and full video coverage can be provided.
The operation of the apparatus of this invention will now
be described with reference to all of the drawings. Initially,
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the surgeon may select the particular camera lens desired. If
he expects to change his position with regard to the surgical
site during surgery, a variable focal length lens can be
selected. If the surgeon de-termines that his eyes will at all
times be a specified distance from the surgical site, a lens
with a fixed focal length can be selected that is appropriate
for the circumstances. This lens can then be attached to
camera 24 by use of screw threads. If the detachable
embodiment is used, the camera is then snap fitted onto either
bracket 25 or bracket 120 as desired. Thereafter, the
appropriate light can be selected. Either the head light of
FIGS. 1-8, or the light of FIGS. 9 and 11-13 can be used. Once
the light has been selected, the appropriate fiber optical
cable is inserted, and the light is inserted into ring 40, as
described. If desired, set screws 41 are tightened.
Thereafter, if removable, the whole assembly is snapped fitted
onto head band 20, and head band 20 is placed over the user's
head.
Once surgery has commenced, the user can adjust the focal
length, if necessary, by the use of ring 72, which has been
previously sterilized and snapped onto lens 64. If need be,
the elevational angles of the center lines o the camera lens
64 and the light lens can be adjusted. If the embodiment of
FIGS. 9 and 11-13 is used, not only can the elevational angle
of the center line ~-~ of lens 174 ~- adjuste~, but lens
/
`~ ~2974~;~
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portion 152 can be moved upwardly or ~ownwardly, toward or away
from the camera, as desired.
During the course of the surgery, a surgeon can provide any
comments desired through microphone 76. The electrical signals
representing the visual images and the audio portion are
transmitted to circuits 74 which then cause the visual images
to be displayed on a remote television or CRT screen, and cause
the audio to be broadcast by means of a loudspeaker or head
phones. Since the center line B-B of the viewing lens 6~ is
close to or directly in line with the }ines C-C extending from
the eyes 28 of the surgeon to the surgical site, the image
shown on the remote screen is virtually the same as that
observed by the surgeon. When the surgeon moves his head or
moves the light so that the beam falls on the area on which he
is working, he is automatically causing the viewing lens to
observe what he sees. The provision of a nearly coaxial line
of vision for the camera lens is particularly important where
the surgeon is operating in a deep or narrow body cavity. The
size of the lens 64 is sufficiently small that it does not
block the surgeon's view. The use of the integrated circuit
chip for transmitting the visual image overcomes the weak
signal with poor resolution transmitted by some prior art
devices which employed fiber optics.
In view of the above description, it is likely that
modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in
--" 12~74~2
-24-
the art which are within the scope of this invention. The
above description is intended to be exemplary only, the scope
of the invention being defined by the following claims and
their equivalents.
i
