Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An endoscope for remotely viewing and testing relatively inaccessible regions of structures that are under stress when used, the endoscope having a mechanically-articulated articulating distal end. The endoscope includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal working end. There is a working channel located within the shaft and open at both ends. A remote material stress-testing probe is located at least partially within the working channel, and is adapted to contact the region to be tested. There is at least one light guide in the shaft for carrying light introduced into the proximal end to a remote viewing area proximate the distal end. The endoscope further includes a user-operable shaft tip steering mechanism for articulating the distal end of the shaft. The tip steering mechanism includes at least two rotatable drums, at least a pair of wires coupled to the drums, and also coupled to the tool's articulating distal end, for translating drum rotation into distal end articulation, a mechanical joystick moveable translationally and through 360 degrees rotationally, and a mechanism coupling the joystick to the drums, that mechanically translates motion of the joystick into rotation of the drums, wherein motion of the joystick in one plane causes rotation of only a first drum, and motion of the joystick in a perpendicular plane causes rotation of only a second drum, and movements of the joystick not wholly within these two planes causes rotation of both the first and second drums.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim