Centering mechanism for probe
US6733439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1047
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A centering mechanism accurately centers a probe as it moves through a pathway having a changing shape, diameter, and direction. More specifically, the invention provides a probe centering device that includes a ring shaped resilient balloon, a front stopper that fixes a location of a first side of the balloon, and a biasing mechanism that applies a biasing force to a second side of the balloon. The biasing mechanism includes a rear stopper, a spring and a pusher, wherein the spring is located between the rear stopper and the pusher and the pusher is in contact with the second side of the balloon. A flexible member is preferably provided to cover and protect the biasing mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.