Stabilizing apparatus for highly articulated probes with link arrangement, methods of formation thereof, and methods of use thereof
US9364955B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for driving an articulating probe comprises an elongate probe constructed and arranged to articulate in at least one predetermined degree of motion and to transition from a flexible state to a rigid state, and a force transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to apply a force to the probe. The force is selected from the group consisting of a force that causes probe to articulate in the at least one predetermined degree of motion and a force that causes the probe to transition from the flexible state to the rigid state. The base structure is attached to portion of the force transfer mechanism and the elongate probe; the base structure comprising one or more stabilizing elements constructed and arranged to resist undesired movement of the probe caused by force from the force transfer mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.