Flexible support shaft assembly
US5405073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2905
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a flexible support shaft assembly which is capable of bending transversely relative to its longitudinal axis or centerline with a predetermined limit on the bending range. The flexible support shaft assembly comprises a first helical member with a series of coils of round cross section and a second helical member with a series of coils of wedge-shaped cross section. The first and second helical members are coiled together along a common longitudinal axis with the round coils alternating with the wedge-shaped coils which separate the adjacent round coils from each other when the support shaft assembly is straight. The wedge-shaped coils are slidable relative to the round coils to allow the support shaft assembly to bend into a curved shape until the round coils on the inside of the bend engage each other and limit the bending range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.