Rotatable Connector for an Endoscope

Abstract

A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising: a fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector, wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of a proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.

1 . A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising:
 at least one fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and   a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector,   wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while essentially eliminating or reducing twisting of a proximal shaft connected to the endoscope.   
     
     
         2 . The rotating connector according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one fixed part comprises a housing for covering at least partially the rotating part. 
     
     
         3 . The rotating connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotating part comprises a cylindrical opening adapted to receive at least one pin protruding from the endoscope connector. 
     
     
         4 . The rotating connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotating part comprises a cylindrical opening adapted to receive a tube for passing gas, fluid or liquid to the endoscope connector. 
     
     
         5 . The rotating connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixed part comprises a recess and the at least one rotating part comprises a protruding part so that movement of the moving part within the recess limits the rotation of the at least one rotating part. 
     
     
         6 . The rotating connector according to  claim 5 , wherein the rotation of the at least one rotating part is limited to about 90 degree°. 
     
     
         7 . The rotating connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixed part comprises a disk. 
     
     
         8 . The rotating connector according to  claim 7 , wherein the disk comprises a recess for containing gas, fluid or liquid over flow, and a gasket for sealing a gap between the disk and the at least one rotating part. 
     
     
         9 . A connector for connecting an endoscope to an endoscope console, comprising:
 a connector connected to a proximal shaft of the endoscope and adapted to be inserted into a rotating connector located on the endoscope console;   wherein the connector and the rotating connector are adapted to enable rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of the proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.   
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 9 , further comprising a protruding part adapted to be inserted into a recess in the rotating connector. 
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 9 , further comprising a cannula for receiving flow of gas, liquid or fluid supplied from the console via a tube contained within the rotating connector. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A connector designed to connect an endoscope and an endoscope console, comprising:
 at least one first part adapted to be connected to the endoscope console; and   at least one second part adapted to be connected to the endoscope,   wherein the at least one first part can rotate relatively to the at least one second part.   
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 13  where in the at least one first part comprises at least two parts which may not rotate relatively to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The connector of  claim 13  where in the at least one second part comprises at least two parts which may not rotate relatively to each other.