Importance

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Abstract

A torsional strain relief assembly is provided for absorbing torsional strain at the proximal end of an elongated flexible insertion tube of a borescope or endoscope. The insertion tube is torsionally stiff, i.e. is bendable but resists rotation or twisting about its axis. The strain relief has a tubular rigid sleeve that is attached at its proximal end to a frame or housing, and contains a helical torsion spring whose proximal end is rotationally affixed to the frame. A bushing is rotatably disposed within the distal end of the sleeve and joins the distal end of the spring to the proximal end of the insertion tube. A layer of low friction material such as PTFE can be interposed between the bushing and the inner surface of the rigid sleeve. Rotation of the insertion tube due to bending and twisting is taken up by the spring, and the spring returns the insertion tube to the original position when the twisting forces are relieved. The oeprator can track the orientation of the optical or video imager in the head of the insertion tube by viewing a reference mark or index at the proximal end of the insertion tube.

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First Claim