ES2368017T3 - VISUAL SHUTTER. - Google Patents

Abstract

A shutter assembly (12) comprising: a housing (16) configured for operative coupling by a user; a sleeve (20) mounted in the housing (16) and extending therefrom, the sleeve (20) defining a longitudinal and proximal axis (20a) and distal ends (20b), and having a longitudinal lumen (33); an image passage member (28) located adjacent to the distal end (20b) of the sleeve (20) and adapted to allow an optical image to pass through the image passage member 828) and in the longitudinal lumen (33) of the sleeve ( twenty); a penetration member (34) adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the image passage member (28) through a longitudinal stroke of the movement to extend at least partially the penetration member (34) beyond the passage member of images (28); a trigger (52) operatively connected to the penetration member (34), the trigger (52) operable to cause the longitudinal movement of the penetration member (34) along the longitudinal stroke of the movement, and characterized by: a member of adjustment (42) operatively connected to the penetration member (34) and the trigger (52), the adjustment member (42) being movable to selectively vary a longitudinal length of the carriage of the movement of the penetration member (34), for both selectively control the extent of the penetration member (34) relative to the image passing member (28).

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for penetration and observation of body tissue. More specifically, the present invention relates to a trocar assembly configured to receive an endoscope or laparoscope therethrough to provide visual observation during penetration of the peritoneum or other body tissue.

Description of the referred technique

Endoscopic surgical procedures, that is, surgical procedures performed through sleeves or cannulas, have been used for many years. Initially, endoscopic surgical procedures were mainly diagnostic in nature. More recently, since endoscopic technology has advanced, surgeons are performing increasingly complex and innovative endoscopic surgical procedures. In endoscopic procedures, surgery is performed through any viscera of the body through a small incision or through narrow endoscopic tubes (cannulas) inserted through a small entrance into the skin. In laparoscopic procedures, surgery is performed inside the abdomen.

Laparoscopic procedures generally use instruments that are internally sealed to prevent gases from entering the body through the laparoscopic or endoscopic incision. This is particularly true in surgical procedures in which the surgical region is inflated. In addition, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures often require a surgeon to act on organs, tissues and vessels removed from the incision, therefore requiring that any instrument used in such procedures be of sufficient size and length to allow remote operation. . Typically, after the surgical region is inflated, the trocar are used to puncture the body cavity by including a cannula that remains in place for use during endoscopic procedures.

Generally, trocar used in such procedures include a "stylet" that has a sharp point to penetrate the body cavity coaxially placed inside the protective tubes to protect the patient or surgeon from inadvertent contact with the tip. An example of a known trocar is described in US Patent Commonly assigned No. 6,685,630 to Sauer. The document ´630 de Sauer exposes a trocar assembly to observe the penetration of the peritoneum or other parts of the body. The trocar assembly provides a window structure for passing optical images to an imaging system inserted in or format within the trocar assembly, which provides a clear and bright image of the body tissue that is being penetrated. The set also includes a light pipe to pass lighting light to the body tissue. The assembly may additionally include a cutting tip for penetration of body tissue.

EP 0684016 discloses an optical trocar as described in the preamble of claim 1.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present specification is directed to a shutter assembly that includes a housing configured for user-operable coupling, a sleeve mounted in the housing and extending therefrom and having a longitudinal lumen, a passage member of images placed next to the distal end of the sleeve and adapted to allow an optical image to pass through the image passing member and in the longitudinal lumen of the sleeve, a penetration member adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the passage member of images are through a longitudinal stroke of the movement to extend, at least partially, the penetration member beyond the image passing member and an adjustment member operatively connected to the penetration member. The adjustment member can be moved to selectively vary a longitudinal length of the cart of the movement of the penetration member so as to selectively control the extent of the penetration member relative to the image passing member.

An elongated member may extend through the sleeve and be operatively connected to the penetration member. The elongated member can be moved to cause the penetration member to move through the movement stroke. The adjustment member is operatively connected to the elongated member. The adjustment member may be adapted for rotational movement relative to the longitudinal axis. The adjusting member and the elongated member may include cooperating threaded portions through which the rotation of the jointing member causes the elongated member to move in a longitudinal direction. The adjustment member may be mounted in the housing and adapted to rotate relative to the housing. The housing may include an opening to access the adjustment member.

The shutter assembly may further include an actuating member disposed within the housing and which can be moved to drive the elongate member to cause the penetration member to move through a movement cart and a trigger mechanism having a trigger and an elastic load member mounted inside the housing and which can be operatively coupled with the drive member. The trigger can be operatively connected to the drive member and can be moved from an initial position to an actuated position to produce the corresponding retraction motion of the drive member against the elastic loading forces of the elastic loading member. After the trigger movement to the activated position, the drive member is released and advanced distally in response to the elastic loading forces of the elastic loading member to advance the elongate member to cause movement of the penetration member through the movement race. A release member may be associated with the trigger and releasably coupled with the drive member to remove the drive member during movement of the trigger to the actuated position thereof. The release member is adapted to release the drive member when the trigger is in its activated position to allow the drive member to advance distally in response to the elastic loading forces of the elastic loading member. The drive member may normally be elastically loaded to a position in operative engagement with the release member.

A shutter assembly is also provided that includes a housing configured for user-operable coupling, a sleeve mounted in the housing and extending therefrom, the sleeve defined as a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends, and having a lumen longitudinal, an image passage member positioned next to the distal end of the sleeve and adapted to allow an optical image to pass through the image passage member and to the longitudinal lumen of the sleeve, a penetration member adapted for longitudinal movement in relation to to the image passing member through a longitudinal movement stroke to extend, at least partially, the penetration member beyond the image passing member, and an adjustment member operatively connected to the penetration member. The adjustment member can be moved to selectively vary at least one of a retracted position and an extended position of the penetration member relative to the image passing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the memory, illustrate specific embodiments of the memory and, together with a general description of the memory given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the exhibition, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a trocar assembly that includes a cannula mounted on a shutter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a trocar assembly of Fig. 1 in which the cannula and the obturator assembly are separated;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a shutter assembly of Figs 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a part 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the interior of the shutter assembly of Figs. 1-3;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the interior of the sealing assembly of Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a shutter sleeve assembled from the shutter assembly of Figs, 1-6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the sealing sleeve of the sealing assembly of Figs. 1-6;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the blade assembly of the shutter assembly of Figs. 1-6;

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the proximal and distal ends of the sealing sleeve of Figs. 7 and 8.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the shutter assembly of Figs. 1-6;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of part 12 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 12A is an end cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly of Fig. 12 taken along line 12A-12A;

Fig. 12B is a side view of the inside of a housing half of the shutter assembly of Figs. 16;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly of Figs. 1-6 and 11 in a partially operated condition;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the shutter assembly of Figs. 1-6, 11 and 13, in a fully activated condition;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a part 15 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a part of the sealing assembly of Figs 1-6, 11, 13 and 14, in which the shutter sleeve is in an adjusted position;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a distal end of the sealing sleeve of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sealing assembly of the present disclosure;

Fig. 19A is a view in a cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly of Fig. 18, including a housing in a closed position; Y

Fig. 19B is an end cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly of Figs. 18 and 19 including accommodation in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The apparatus of the present disclosure is provided to penetrate the body tissue, for example, the abdominal wall, and to provide a simultaneous forward ax view of the body tissue being penetrated. Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2, a trocar assembly 10 includes a shutter assembly 12 and a cannula assembly 14. As will be discussed below, the trocar assembly 10 is configured to receive an endoscope (not shown) through it in order of providing observation of body tissue that is being penetrated. The cannula assembly 14 may include any known cannula configurations capable of receiving the obturator assembly 12, including cannulas having insufflation opposites, relief valves and the like. As used herein, the term "shutter assembly" refers to the tissue penetration assembly of the trocar assembly.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, the shutter assembly 12 includes the housing 16 and the shutter sleeve 20 extending distally therefrom. The shutter housing 16 includes a handle 17 and a drum part 18. The handle 17 may be ribbed, formed or otherwise configured for user-operative coupling. The housing 16 further includes a trigger 52 operatively mounted in the mino and positioned for the operative coupling by the user. Attached to the distal end 20b of the shutter sleeve 20 is an image passage member 28.

Returning now to Figs. 5-10, several views of the shutter assembly 12 are shown. Referring initially to Fig. 5, a shutter sleeve 20 is slidably mounted within the drum portion 18 of the shutter assembly 12. The shutter sleeve 20 includes a blade assembly 30 that is operatively connected to an actuation assembly 40. A trigger assembly 50 is operatively connected to actuation assembly 40 to move the knife assembly 30 between an unfolded position (Fig. 14) and an unfolded position ( Fig. 13).

With reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the blade assembly 30 includes an elongate member 32 having proximal and distal ends 32a, 32b and defining a lumen 33 therethrough. Lumen 33 is configured to receive an endoscope in it. A cutting blade or other penetration member 34 is mounted at the distal end 32b thereof and extends distally therefrom. The cutting blade 34 may be securely fixed or selectively attachable with the distal end 32b. A pusher member 36 is mounted at the proximal end 32a of the elongate member 32. The elongate member 32 may include one or more openings 33a to secure the pusher member 36 therein. The pusher member 36 defines a substantially annular body having a distal end 36a, 36b. The proximal end 36a of the pusher member 36 defines a threaded part 37. The threaded part 37 defines notches 37a, 37b (Fig. 13). The distal end 36b of the pusher member 36 defines a coupling part 38 that includes a flange 38a. As will be discussed in more detail below, the tab 38a is configured to engage the first spring 47.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 10, the mounting sleeve 22 includes proximal and distal ends 22a, 22b and defines a lumen 22 therebetween. An image passage member 28 is mounted on the distal end 22b of the mounting sleeve 22. The distal end 22b can define any number of openings or slots 21b configured to secure the image passage member 20 thereto. The distal end 22b of the mounting sleeve 22 includes notches 23 configured to allow retraction of the cutting blade 34 therein. Mounted around the proximal end 22a of the mounting sleeve 22 is a mounting member 24. The proximal end 22a can define an opening or retainer 21a to secure the mounting member 24 therewith.

The mounting member 24 defines a substantially annular member having a proximal end with flange 24a configured to be retained within the drum portion 18 of the housing 16 (Fig. 14). The distal end 24b of the mounting member 24 includes tabs 25a, 25b extending distally therefrom. The tabs 25a, 25b are configured to be received within the notches 37a, 37b, respectively, formed in the threaded part 37 of the pusher assembly 36. As will be explained below, the reception of the tabs 25a, 25b of the mounting member 22 within the notches 37a, 37b of the pusher member 36 prevents rotation of the blade assembly 30. The notches 37a, 37b are sized to allow longitudinal movement of the tongues 25a, 25b therein as the blade assembly 30 is advanced and retracted during the performance. The distal end 24b of the mounting member 24 may further include projections 26a, 26b thereon to engage the drum portion 18 of the housing 16, thereby preventing rotation of the mounting member 24.

With particular reference to Fig. 10, the image passage member 28 defines a transparent optical window that can be manufactured from a variety of materials such as polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane, epoxy resins and / or transparent glass or other transparent materials. (When plastic material is manufactured, the cost is reduced). Image passing member 28 may include any number of configurations. Image passing member 28 may define an image steering member, which includes a lens, an optical prism, an optical mirror, or similar image addressing means. As shown, the image passage member 28 defines a substantially dome-shaped lens that defines a groove 28a to receive the cutting blade 34 (Fig. 9). The image passage member 28 may further include tabs 28b configured to be selectively received within the openings 21b formed at the distal end 22b of the mounting sleeve 22. The image passage member 28 may be configured to allow closure to a 360º forward angle of view. The image passage member 28 may also be configured to allow the passage of illumination light from the shutter sleeve 20 to the body tissue.

With reference to Figs. 6 and 8, the actuation assembly 40 includes an adjustment member 42, a hammer or other actuating member 46, a first spring 47 for elastically loading the hammer 46 during actuation, and a second spring 49 for returning the blade assembly 30 to an unfolded position (Fig. 12). The adjustment member 42 includes proximal and distal ends 42a, 42b and defines a lumen 43 therebetween. The lumen 43 is configured to receive the proximal end 36a of a pusher member 36. The distal end 42b of the adjustment member 42 defines an adjustment nut 44. The adjustment nut 44 includes a certain number of projections 44a which extends from the same. As will be discussed below, the projections 44a are configured to engage with the tabs 17 (Fig. 12A and 12B) formed in the housing 16 to prevent rotation of the adjustment member 42 when the sealing assembly 12 is fully assembled. The distal end 42b of the adjusting member 42 further includes ribs 43b for coupling the hammer 46. The proximal end 42a of an adjusting member 42 includes an internally threaded part 43a (Fig. 14) for coupling the threaded portion 37 of the pusher member 36 .

Referring still to Figs. 6 and 8, the hammer 46 defines a substantially annular member configured to be slidably received on the proximal end 42 of an adjustment member 42. The hammer 46 includes a distal end with flange 46b configured to engage the ribs 43b formed in the member of adjustment 42. The hammer 46 further includes a proximal spring coupling end 46a for coupling the spring 47 in the actuation of the sealing assembly 12.

Going back to Figs. 5 and 6, as discussed above, the trigger assembly 50 includes the trigger 52 operatively mounted within housing 16 of the shutter assembly 12. The trigger 52 defines a substantially flat member having a finger rest 54, a coupling lever of hammer 56 and a spring coupling flange 58. The trigger 52 further includes ribs 53a, 53b configured to engage the housing 16 and allow the trigger52 to be slidably received therein. The finger support 54 is located at a distal end 52b of the trigger 52. The finger support 54 is configured to be operatively coupled by one or more fingers of the user. The proximal end 56a of the hammer coupling lever 56 is mounted on a proximal end 52a of the trigger 52. The lever 56 extends distally along the trigger 52. The hammer coupling lever 56 includes a ring coupling tongue. 56a and ramp coupling tabs 56b. As described below, the ramp coupling tabs 56b are configured to engage a ramp 17b (Fig. 12B, shown in dashed line in Figs. 11 and 13) formed in the housing

16. When the trigger 52 is retracted proximally, the ramp coupling tongue 56b engages the ramp 17b. When the tongue 56b moves proximally along the ramp 17b the lever 56 is elastically loaded towards the trigger 52, thereby causing the release of the hammer 46. It is envisioned that the trigger assembly 50 can include any suitable release member capable of retracting and releasing the hammer 46. The spring coupling flange 58 is formed within the proximal end 52a of the trigger 52. The flange 58 is configured to engage a spring 59. The spring 59 is operatively mounted between the trigger 52 and the housing 16 and is configured to return the trigger 52 to an initial position, prior to the shot following the actuation of the shutter assembly 12.

With particular reference now to Fig. 6, before final assembly of the shutter assembly 12, the adjustment member 42 is received on the pusher assembly 36 until the internal threads 43a of the adjustment member 42 are coupled with the threaded part 37 of the pusher assembly 36. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rotation of the adjusting member 42 relative to the pusher assembly 36 adjusts the position of the cutting blade 34 relative to the image passing member 28, so that it is adjusted the stroke length of the blade assembly 30. The hammer 46 and the spring 47 can then be received on the proximal end 42a of the adjustment member 42. The mounting sleeve 22, which includes the image passage member 28 and the Mounting member 24 mounted thereon can then be inserted into the elongate member 32 of the blade assembly 30 through the proximal end 32a. After complete insertion of the mounting sleeve 22 into the elongate member 32, the tabs 25a, 25b formed in the mounting member 24 are received within the notches 37a, 37b formed in the threaded part 37 of the pusher member 36. As explained above, this configuration prevents the rotation of the shutter sleeve 20 relative to the housing 16. In this initial condition, the image passage member 28 extends beyond the cutting blade 34, whereby the exposure of The cutting surface.

Once mounted, the sealing sleeve 20 is ready to be received inside the housing 16. The second spring 49 is inserted over the distal end 20b of the sealing sleeve 20 and is received around the coupling part 38 of the pushing member 36. A bearing 11 is also received on the distal end 20b of the sealing sleeve 20 to center the sealing sleeve 20 within the drum portion 18 of the housing 16 and to reduce friction between them when the blade assembly 30 is actuated. The proximal end 20 of the shutter sleeve 20 receives an introducer member 13 thereon, configured to receive an endoscope, laparoscope or the like. The introducer member 13 includes a sealing ring 13a mounted at a distal end thereof to seal the connection between the introducer member 13 and the mounting member 24. Referring now to Figs. 11-15, the operation of the shutter assembly will be described in detail. In a first or initial condition, (Figs. 11 and 12), before squeezing the trigger 52 the trigger assembly 50, the cutting blade 34 of the blade assembly 30 is received within the groove 28a of the image passing member 28. The second spring 49 is coupled with the coupling part 38 of the pusher member 36 whereby the blade assembly 30 is held in a retracted or initial position. The initial tightening of the trigger 52 causes the hammer coupling tongue 56a of the hammer coupling lever 56 to engage with the hammer 56 (Fig. 13).

Continued proximal movement of trigger 52 causes retraction of hammer 46 relative to pusher member 36. Continuous squeezing of trigger 52 also causes ramp coupling tabs 56b to engage with ramps 17a formed in housing 16. Coupling of the tabs 56b with the ramp 17b causes the hammer coupling lever 56 to be elastically loaded towards the trigger 52. The ramp 17b is configured such that the hammer coupling tab 56a of the lever 56 elastically loads away from the hammer 46 until eventually the hammer coupling tongue 56a disengages the hammer 46 (Fig. 14). When the hammer 46 is retracted proximally along the sealing sleeve 20 during the squeeze of the trigger 52, the first spring 45 is compressed, thereby creating an elastic loading force that acts distally on the hammer 46. After disengaging the tongue. Hammer coupling 56a of hammer 46, hammer 46 is quickly pushed forward. The distal end with flange 46b of the hammer 46 quickly impacts with the ribs 43b formed in the adjustment member 42, whereby the jointing member 42 is forced distally. The stop surfaces 18a (Fig. 12B) formed in the housing 16 prevent excessive distal movement of the adjustment member 42.

The distal advance of the adjustment member 42 causes the distal advance of the blade assembly 30. During the advance of the knife assembly 30, the cutting blade 34 is exposed from within the groove 28a formed in the image passage member 28. The time during which the cutting blade 34 is exposed or in an activated position is limited because while the blade assembly 30 is advanced, the second spring 49 is compressed. Once the initial elastic loading force on the blade assembly 30 has dissipated, the return of the second spring 49 to a decompressed condition causes the retraction of the blade assembly 30 to its retracted or initial position (Figs. 11 and 12) . The advance of the cutting blade 34 from an initial position to an activated position and again is referred to as the movement stroke. Once released, the spring 59 mounted between the trigger 52 and the housing 16 causes the trigger 52 to also return to its initial position. In this way, the shutter assembly 12 is readjusted and is ready for continued operation.

Referring now to Figs. 16 and 17, as briefly stated above, the length and / or relative position of the movement stroke of the cutting assembly 30 can be adjusted before completing the assembly of the sealing assembly 12, for example, to take into account the different component lengths due to their manufacturing tolerances. Before insertion into the housing 16, the adjustment member 42 may be rotated relative to the pusher member 36. Depending on the configuration of the threaded part 37 of the pusher member 36 and the internal threads 43a formed in the adjustment member 42 , the rotation of the adjustment member 42 relative to the pusher member 36 in a first direction causes the stroke of the blade assembly 30 to increase the length, while the rotation of the adjustment member 42 in the second direction causes the stroke to decrease in length. In addition, the adjustment shutter assembly 12 through the adjustment member 42 makes it possible to accurately position the various components, for example, the cutting blade 34. In this way, and using the cutting blade 34 as an example, Regarding manufacturing tolerances, each mounted device will be assumed to have the cutting blade 34 fully positioned within the groove 28a when in the retracted position and extended a desired distance beyond the groove 28a when in the extended position, providing in this way the consistent performance between the different devices, which due to manufacturing tolerance, could otherwise provide inconsistent performance relative to each other, resulting in certain devices that are discarded after the test.

Referring now to Figs. 18, 19A, 19B, in an alternative embodiment of the plug assembly 112 of the present invention includes an adjustment member 142 can be rotated after the assembly of plug assembly 112. The housing 116 defines a first and second openings 116a, 116b therein to access the adjustment member 142. The housing 116 may further include doors or pins 117a, 117b to cover the adjustment member 142 during the performance. The doors 117a, 117 may be pivotally mounted with the housing 116. The doors 117a, 117 may include tabs 118a, 118b for coupling the projections 144a formed in the adjustment thread 144 of the adjustment member 142, thereby preventing rotation of the member of adjustment 142 once the adjustment member 142 has been rotated sufficiently to adjust the blade assembly (not shown) to a desired length of cart. Doors 117a 117b may also include grip members 119a, 119b to allow user access to adjustment member 142. With particular reference to Figs. 19A and 19B, the doors 117 may be pivotally mounted on the drum part 118 of the housing 116. It is envisioned that the housing 116 may include only a single opening 116a. It is further provided that openings 116a, 116b are completely open and do not include a door or other cover. In this way, the adjustment member 142 can be easily accessed during the procedure for adjusting the stroke length of the blade assembly 30.

It will be understood that various modifications can be made in the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein without departing from the spirit and field thereof. For example, various diameters for the cannula assembly, the obturator assembly, as well as endoscopes of various diameters can be contemplated. Various modifications can also be made to the configuration of the parts. Therefore, the above description should not be considered as limiting the invention but merely as examples of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will provide other modifications within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

A shutter assembly includes a housing configured for user-operable coupling, a sleeve mounted in the housing and extending between them and having a longitudinal lumen, an image passage member placed next to the distal end of the sleeve and adapted to allow an optical image to pass through the image passing member and into the longitudinal lumen of the sleeve, a penetration member adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the image passing member through a longitudinal stroke of the movement to, at less partially extending the penetration member beyond the image passing member and an adjustment member operatively connected to the penetration member. The adjustment member can be moved to selectively vary a longitudinal length of the movement stroke of the penetration member, therefore to selectively control the extent of the penetration member relative to the image passing member. The adjustment member can also be moved to selectively vary at least one of a retracted position and an extended position of the penetration member relative to the image passing member.

Claims (13)

1. A shutter assembly (12) comprising: a housing (16) configured for operational coupling by a user; a sleeve (20) mounted in the housing (16) and extending therefrom, the sleeve (20) defining a longitudinal and proximal axis (20a) and distal ends (20b), and having a longitudinal lumen (33); an image passage member (28) located adjacent to the distal end (20b) of the sleeve (20) and adapted to allow an optical image to pass through the image passage member 828) and in the longitudinal lumen (33) of the sleeve (20); a penetration member (34) adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the image passage member (28) through a longitudinal stroke of the movement to extend at least partially the penetration member (34) beyond the passage member of images (28); a trigger (52) operatively connected to the penetration member (34), the trigger (52) operable to cause the longitudinal movement of the penetration member (34) along the longitudinal stroke of the movement, and characterized by: an adjustment member (42) operatively connected to the penetration member (34) and the trigger (52), the adjustment member (42) being movable to selectively vary a longitudinal length of the carriage of the movement of the penetration member (34) , so as to selectively control the extent of the penetration member (34) relative to the image passing member (28).

2.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 1, which includes an elongate member (32) extending through the sleeve (20) and operatively connected to the penetration member (34), the elongate member (32) for make the penetration member (34) move along the movement stroke.

3.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment member (42) is operatively connected to the flattened member (32).

Four.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment member (42) is adapted for rotational movement relative to the longitudinal axis.

5.

 The plug assembly (12) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the adjusting member (42) and the elongate member (32) include cooperative threaded portions by which the adjusting member (42) makes that the elongate member (32) is moved in a longitudinal direction.

6.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 4, wherein the adjusting member (42) is mounted in the housing (16) and is adapted to rotate relative to the housing (16).

7.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 6, wherein the housing (16) includes an opening (116a) for manually accessing the adjustment member (42).

8.

The shutter assembly (12) according to claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 which includes:

a drive member (46) disposed within the housing (16) and which can be moved to drive the elongate member (32) to cause the penetration member (34) to move along the movement stroke; Y an elastic load member (47) mounted inside the housing (16) and operatively coupled with the drive member (46).

9.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 8, which includes a release member (56) associated with the trigger (52) and releasably engageable with the drive member (46) to retract the drive motion member (46) of the trigger (52) to the activated position thereof, releasing the release member to the drive member (46) when the trigger (52) is in the activated position to allow the drive member (46) to move distally in response to the elastic loading forces of the elastic loading member (47).

10.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 9, wherein the drive member (46) is normally elastically loaded to a position in operative engagement with the release member (56).

eleven.

 The shutter assembly (12) according to claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the trigger (52) is operatively connected to the drive member (46) and can be moved from an initial position to an activated position to cause the corresponding retraction movement of the drive member (46)

against the elastic loading forces of the elastic loading member (47), so that after the trigger movement (52) to the activated position, the actuating member (46) is released and is advanced distally in response to the forces elastic load of the elastic load member (47) to advance the elongated member (32) to cause movement of the penetration member (34) along the movement cart. 5. The shutter assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement stroke defines an initial position relative to the image passing member (28) in which the penetration member (34) is in support and an activated position in relation to the image passing member (28) in which the penetration member (34) is fully extended beyond the image passing member (28). 13. The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal length of the stroke 10 of movement of the penetration member (34) corresponds to the distance between the initial position and the activated position. 14. The shutter assembly (12) according to claim 13, wherein the adjustable member (42) can be moved to selectively vary at least one of the initial position relative to the image passing member (28), the activated position in relation to the image passage member (28), and the longitudinal length of the race 15 of the movement of the penetration member (34)