Importance

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Abstract

A mechanism for articulating the distal end of an elongated tool through movement of drums, in which wires coupled to the drums connect the mechanism to the distal end of the tool that is being articulated. The mechanism comprises a joystick coupled to a rotatable shaft that is coupled to one of the drums. When the joystick is moved in one direction, the shaft is rotated, thereby rotating the drum and causing articulation in one plane. There is an arc arm rotatable by movement of the joystick. The arc arm rotates about an axis that is transverse to the shaft rotational axis. Rotation of the arc arm is accomplished by movement of the joystick in a plane that is transverse to the plane in which the joystick is moved to cause rotation of the first rotatable shaft. A gear system translates rotation of the arc arm to rotation of the second drum, to cause articulation in an articulation plane that is perpendicular to the articulation plane caused by rotation of the first drum. The result is an intuitive mechanical connection between the joystick and the articulating head that is simple to use and provides direct mechanical feedback from the articulating head to the user's hand.

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First Claim