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A flexible shaft assembly for transmitting rotary motion between spaced components that are mounted on articulated members. The flexible shaft, which has a significant bending flexibility, comprises a proximal section connected to a driver device, a distal section connected to a driven component, an

A flexible shaft assembly for transmitting rotary motion between spaced components that are mounted on articulated members. The flexible shaft, which has a significant bending flexibility, comprises a proximal section connected to a driver device, a distal section connected to a driven component, and an intermediate section. The proximal and distal sections, which are free to bend, rotate about curved axes. One or more rigid sleeves coaxially mount on the intermediate section for reducing torsional deflections of the shaft as it rotates.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flexible shaft assembly comprising:a flexible shaft having a plurality of coiled, flexible wires with a number of full turns to provide said shaft with a predetermined bending flexibility, said flexible shaft having a proximal section, a distal section and an intermedia

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flexible shaft assembly comprising:a flexible shaft having a plurality of coiled, flexible wires with a number of full turns to provide said shaft with a predetermined bending flexibility, said flexible shaft having a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section, said proximal and distal sections each capable of being rotated about curved axes; anda relatively straight rigid member fixed to a region of said intermediate section, said region including a plurality of said full turns, said rigid member having a torsional stiffness substantially greater than that of said flexible shaft, and said rigid member and said region secured as a unit for rotation about a linear axis.