Self-propelled endoscopic device
US8684911B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0116
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscopic device for autonomous locomotion through a selected body cavity in a predetermined direction, the device comprising a hollowed, cylindrical body that extends between two, preferably, the front and rear, end portions, respectively. The body is made of a relatively elastic material and includes an anchor for temporarily and alternately attaching the end portions to a wall portion of the body cavity in synch with corresponding axial extensions and contractions of the body. The body incorporates a reinforcement structure distributed along its length that is substantially rigid in a radial direction and yields in an axial direction, the structure specifically comprising either a plurality of relatively rigid rings or at least one helical spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.