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Enhanced control of flexible endoscopes through human-machine interface

  • US 9,173,551 B2
  • Filed: 09/10/2012
  • Issued: 11/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A motorized system for improving manipulation of an endoscope, comprising:

  • a mechanical device that holds and drives the endoscope;

    a motion control system having processing circuitry configured to control the mechanical device; and

    a human/machine interface that allows a user to control the mechanical device through the motion control system;

    wherein the mechanical device comprises;

    a base;

    a linear platform that causes linear movement of the endoscope, the linear platform being mounted on the base and being linearly movable relative to the base;

    a rotation mechanism that causes rotation of the endoscope and of a support that includes two parallel support rods, the rotation mechanism being mounted on the linear platform and being movable with the linear platform; and

    a tip-flexion mechanism including a motor that provides motive power that causes bending of the tip of the endoscope, the tip-flexion mechanism being mounted on the support and being movable with the linear platform, whereinthe rotation mechanism further rotates the tip-flexion mechanism together with rotation of the endoscope, and whereinthe two parallel support rods pass through a frame that holds the tip-flexion mechanism, and the frame that holds the tip-flexion mechanism is adjustable along a length of the two parallel support rods.

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