Systems and methods for varying stiffness of an endoscopic insertion tube
US11771310B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
129References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The specification describes endoscopes that enable varying stiffness of an insertion portion in an endoscope assembly. In one example, an actuator operates either a spring or a flexible tube to vary stiffness of the insertion portion. In alternative examples, an elliptical wheel arrangement or screw mechanism provides a means to increase stiffness of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly. In further examples, fluid and gas may be used inside the insertion portion to vary stiffness by varying pressure of the fluid/gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.