Abstract: Three magnetic field generating coils on the distal end side of the shape detection probe are provided in the curvable portion, and the first coil at the leading end position is placed at the position corresponding to the leading end curvable piece, whereas the third coil at the position corresponding to the trailing end curvable piece. Further, the second coil is placed at a middle position between the leading end curvable piece and the trailing end curvable piece in the curvable portion. With this structure, the accuracy of detecting the shape of the curvable portion can be improved, and the production cost of the system as a whole can be lowered.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion section inserted into the body cavity and a probe provided inside the insertion section for detecting the form of the endoscope. The probe includes a plurality of coil portions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section of the endoscope and a wire electrically connecting the coil portions. The coil portions and the wire are covered with a flexible member. And the outer diameter of the covered wire is smaller than the outer diameter of the covered coil portions.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion section inserted into the body cavity and a probe provided inside the insertion section for detecting the form of the endoscope. The probe includes a plurality of coil portions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section of the endoscope and a wire electrically connecting the coil portions. The coil portions and the wire are covered with a flexible member. And the outer diameter of the covered wire is smaller than the outer diameter of the covered coil portions.

Abstract: A system for transferring, positioning and machining a workpiece includes a transfer device for transferring the workpiece to a prescribed position, a positioning device disposed in the prescribed position for positioning the workpiece, a machine tool for machining the workpiece, and a delivery robot disposed in the prescribed position for delivering the workpiece to the machine tool. The positioning device is used to position workpieces successively. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide positioning devices which would otherwise be associated with respective workpieces. The positioning device includes a positioning pin which is displaceable toward and away from a workpiece. Since the positioning pin is not held against the workpiece at all times, the positioning pin is prevented from being damaged or broken by physical interference with surface irregularities of the workpiece.