Self-propelled colonoscope

• US 20030088152A1
• Filed: 03/29/2002
• Published: 05/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masazumi Takada
• Original Assignee: Masazumi Takada
• Inventors: Takada, Masazumi
• Granted Patent: US 6,695,771 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/114
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes

Abstract

The self-propelled colonoscope (1) is self-inserted into a colon by driving endless belts (17) mounted on the outside of the bending section (15) of the insertion tube (9). The cross section of the endless belt (17) is a substantially circle and a rack gear teeth having a cross section of circle are formed on the outside of the endless belts (17). And, a recess having a cross section of semi-circle and pinion gear teeth which are corresponded to the shape of the endless belt and the rack gear teeth. Since the endless belt (17) has across section of circle so as to have equal bending ability in all radial direction, the endless belt (17) can easily bend in all direction. So, on the insertion of the insertion tube (9) into the colon, the endless belt (17) can be easily followed the motion of the insertion tube (9).

Claims

1. A self-propelled colonoscope which can be self-inserted into a colon by driving endless belts arranged on the outside of a bending section of a insertion tube,

wherein a cross section of said endless belt is a substantially circle,

rack gear teeth having a cross section of circle are formed on the outside of said endless belt, and

a recess having a cross section of semi-circle and pinion gear teeth which are corresponded to the shape of said endless belt and said rack gear teeth are formed on the outside of a pulley for driving said endless belt.

2. The self-propelled colonoscope according to claim 1, the outside surface of said pulley for driving said endless belt and the outside surface of the endless belts are coated with high frictional material.