Vibratory device, endoscope having such a device, method for configuring an endoscope, and method of reducing looping of an endoscope
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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Abstract
An endoscope assembly includes an insertion tube including a channel and a vibratory device inserted into the channel of the insertion tube.
372 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An endoscope assembly, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification