Abstract: A robotic endoscope for performing endoscopic procedures in a tubular organ comprising: (a) a plurality of segments, connected together by a plurality of flexible articulated joints, having a distal end; (b) a plurality of flexible linear actuators attached, skewed sideways with respect to the longitudinal axis of said robot, circumferentially round each segment; (c) a central cavity running longitudinally through said robotic endoscope which houses a plurality of optical fibres, a water/air hose, an instrumentation channel and a plurality of electrical wires associated with an imaging means being mounted at the distal end of the robotic endoscope; and (d) a network of tributary channels for the distribution of pressure to said linear actuators. The present invention is also applicable to an autonomous pipe robot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 7, 1998
Date of Patent:
December 19, 2000
Assignee:
Wan Sing Ng
Inventors:
Wan Sing Ng, Soo Jay Louis Phee, Choen Francis Seow