Abstract: A remote-controlled device is capable of selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space. The device includes a clamp having two pivotally mounted sections enabling the clamp to be placed in either an opened position or a closed position. Each section has a drive wheel including an arc-shaped groove which accommodates the medical instrument when the clamp is placed in the closed position. Each of the wheels has a coupling gear positioned and configured to pivot apart when the clamp is placed in the open position with portions of teeth of the gears remaining engaged with each other. One of the drive wheels is directly driven by a motor housed in one of the sections of the clamp.

Abstract: The invention features a remote-controlled device for selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space. The remote-controlled device has a motor which provides mechanical energy to the remote-controlled device, a driver that is coupled to the motor and that has a predetermined relationship with the motor. The driver physically engages the medical instrument and converts the mechanical energy into controlled motion of the medical instrument. The remote-controlled device receives control signals from a remote location that direct the motor to supply a predetermined amount of mechanical energy, whereby the driver, with the predetermined relationship with the motor, selectively positions the medical instrument within the region of space.