Carrier system for a medical apparatus

Abstract

A carrier system ( 10 ) for a medical apparatus ( 11 ) is disclosed. The carrier system includes rotation joints ( 17, 18, 20 ). A supply line harness runs in the carrier system ( 10 ) and is run so that it is covered. The rotation joint ( 18 ) includes a tube-shaped holding member on which fingers are formed which hold a rotation joint. A joint element, which is rotatably journalled in a joint receptacle, is provided in the rotation joint ( 20 ). The joint element has a wave-shaped section which is connected via a connecting section to an annularly-shaped section functioning to accommodate a connecting arm.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . A surgical microscope assembly useable without a sterile drape during a surgical procedure, the assembly comprising: 
 a surgical microscope;    a carrier system for supporting said surgical microscope in space for use by a surgeon during said surgical procedure;    a supply module for said surgical microscope and said supply module being mounted on said carrier system and connectable to a power supply;    said carrier system including:    a holding arm connected to said surgical microscope;    a carrier arm;    a joint unit for connecting said holding arm to said carrier arm;    supply wiring connecting said supply module to said surgical microscope;    said holding arm, said carrier arm and said joint unit conjointly defining an enclosed path from the supply module to the microscope for accommodating said wiring therein;    said enclosed path extending directly into said surgical microscope without said wiring protruding outside of said carrier system between said supply module and said surgical microscope; and,    said carrier system having rounded outer surfaces configured to facilitate sterilization of said carrier system after said surgical procedure thereby rendering the sterile drape unnecessary.    
   
   
       23 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 22 , said joint unit further including means for limiting the rotation of said arms relative to each other.  
   
   
       24 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 23 , wherein a first segment of said enclosed path is disposed in said first holding arm as a cable guide channel.  
   
   
       25 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 22 , wherein a first segment of said enclosed path is disposed in said first holding arm as a cable guide channel.  
   
   
       26 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 24 , further comprising a plastic strip for covering said cable guide channel.  
   
   
       27 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 26 , wherein said first holding arm includes a guide slot for guiding said plastic strip.  
   
   
       28 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 27 , wherein said plastic strip runs in and can be pulled from said guide slot.  
   
   
       29 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 22 , wherein said first holding arm is supported by said carrier arm; and, said carrier system further comprises a second holding arm for receiving the surgical microscope thereon and wherein said second holding arm is connected to said first holding arm.  
   
   
       30 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 29 , wherein said joint unit is a first joint unit; and, said carrier system further comprises a second joint unit for connecting said second holding arm to said first holding arm; and, said second joint unit includes means for compensating for a load torque.  
   
   
       31 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 30 , wherein said second holding arm is configured to have a tubular configuration.  
   
   
       32 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 31 , wherein said second joint unit also includes a cover.  
   
   
       33 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 30 , wherein said second joint unit also includes a cover.  
   
   
       34 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 22 , wherein said load torque compensating means is configured as a spring.  
   
   
       35 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 34 , wherein said spring is a torsion spring.  
   
   
       36 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 34 , wherein said spring is a linear spring.  
   
   
       37 . The surgical microscope assembly of  claim 22 , further comprising a magnetic brake assigned to said joint unit.