Robotic endoscope
First Claim
1. An EAP actuator assembly comprising a first plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon a first flexible sheet and a second plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon a second flexible sheet, wherein said first and second flexible sheets are fixed together, wherein the first and second flexible sheets are in the form of a tube, and wherein the first plurality of said electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon said first flexible sheet is oriented in a different direction from the second plurality of said electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon said second flexible sheet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An endoscope is provided which comprises an elongated body adapted for insertion into a body lumen, and a plurality of electrically controlled actuators associated with the body which are controllable to impart an orientation to the body that is complimentary to the natural orientation of the lumen into which the endoscope is inserted.
58 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An EAP actuator assembly comprising a first plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon a first flexible sheet and a second plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon a second flexible sheet, wherein said first and second flexible sheets are fixed together, wherein the first and second flexible sheets are in the form of a tube, and wherein the first plurality of said electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon said first flexible sheet is oriented in a different direction from the second plurality of said electroactive polymer actuators disposed upon said second flexible sheet.
Specification