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Vibratory device, endoscope having such a device, method for configuring an endoscope, and method of reducing looping of an endoscope

  • US 8,287,446 B2
  • Filed: 04/17/2007
  • Issued: 10/16/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An endoscope assembly, comprising:

  • an insertion tube including a channel, a light source, and an imaging device; and

    a mechanical vibratory device disposed within the channel of the insertion tube, the vibratory device including;

    a flexible transmission cable having a longitudinal axis and being configured to rotate with respect to the insertion tube; and

    a plurality of masses coupled to the flexible transmission cable, each mass having a non-uniform weight distribution about the longitudinal axis of the flexible transmission cable such that each mass has a center of mass that is offset from the longitudinal axis, and wherein the vibratory device being configured to vibrate the insertion tube within a body cavity to limit frictional forces between the insertion tube and the body cavity and inhibit looping of the insertion tube within the body cavity.

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