초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A remote-control device for selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space, said medical instrument having an axially elongated shaft defining an axis, said device comprising:a clamp having a first section and a second section, the fir

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A remote-control device for selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space, said medical instrument having an axially elongated shaft defining an axis, said device comprising:a clamp having a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being pivotally mounted to enable the clamp to be placed in an open position wherein the shaft of the medical instrument can laterally pass between the first and second sections of said clamp, and in a closed position wherein the shaft of the medical instrument is laterally held between the first and second sections of said clamp, each section having:a drive wheel rotatably coupled to said section and having a surface exposed for frictional engagement with the shaft of the medical instrument, said drive wheel being rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis defined by the medical instrument so that when the surface of said drive wheel engages with the shaft of the medical instrument rotation of the drive wheel moves the medical instrument in a direction along the axis defined by the medical instrument, the surface of said wheel being formed from a material having an elastomeric characteristics for grasping the shaft; andwherein each drive wheel has a coupling gear mounted to rotate with the drive wheel, with the clamp in the closed position, the coupling gear of the first section engaging the coupling gear of the second section, and a motor housed in the first section of the clamp for directly driving the drive wheel of the first section.