Articulating robotic probes
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An articulated probe assembly, comprising:
- a base;
an outer support rod extending through the base;
an articulating control portion at a proximal end of the outer support rod;
a steerable portion comprising a plurality of outer links coupled to a distal end of the outer support rod, the steerable portion manipulated in response to the articulating control portion;
a handle that articulates the control portion, which in turn articulates the steerable portion; and
a tool support assembly comprising first and second support rods, each with a proximal end into which a tool can be inserted and further comprising a connector directly and removably coupled to proximal ends of the first and second support rods and that maintains a position of the first and second support rods from each other, the connector separate from the base by a length of the first and second support rods, and wherein the connector is constructed and arranged for removal from the support rods and replacement with a different connector having a different configuration wherein the first and second support rods are each coupled to a top surface of the base, and wherein first and second guide tubes having a different dimension than the first and second support rods are coupled to a bottom surface of the base and align with the first and second support rods, respectively, via the base.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An articulated probe assembly comprises a base, an outer support rod extending through the base, an articulating control portion at a proximal end of the outer support rod, and a steerable portion comprising a plurality of outer links coupled to a distal end of the outer support rod. The steerable portion is manipulated in response to the articulating control portion.
142 Citations
31 Claims
-
1. An articulated probe assembly, comprising:
-
a base; an outer support rod extending through the base; an articulating control portion at a proximal end of the outer support rod;
a steerable portion comprising a plurality of outer links coupled to a distal end of the outer support rod, the steerable portion manipulated in response to the articulating control portion;a handle that articulates the control portion, which in turn articulates the steerable portion; and a tool support assembly comprising first and second support rods, each with a proximal end into which a tool can be inserted and further comprising a connector directly and removably coupled to proximal ends of the first and second support rods and that maintains a position of the first and second support rods from each other, the connector separate from the base by a length of the first and second support rods, and wherein the connector is constructed and arranged for removal from the support rods and replacement with a different connector having a different configuration wherein the first and second support rods are each coupled to a top surface of the base, and wherein first and second guide tubes having a different dimension than the first and second support rods are coupled to a bottom surface of the base and align with the first and second support rods, respectively, via the base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
Specification