| In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of useUSPTO Application #: 20050272974Title: In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use Abstract: An in-vivo device, such as an autonomous imager or other suitable in-vivo device, includes a moveable arm, extendible element, or proboscis. The in-vivo device may include sensors, such as imagers, etc. The device may transmit sensing information via, for example, wireless transmission, or wired transmission. (end of abstract)
Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek, LLP - New York, NY, US Inventor: Gavriel J. Iddan USPTO Applicaton #: 20050272974 - Class: 600106000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Surgery, Endoscope, With Tool Carried On Endoscope Or Auxillary Channel Therefore, Having Tool Moving Or Stopping Means The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050272974. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/694,092, filed Oct. 28, 2003, entitled "IN-VIVO EXTENDABLE ELEMENT DEVICE AND SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE", which claims benefit from prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/421,788 filed on29 Oct. 2002 and entitled "IN-VIVO EXTENDABLE ELEMENT DEVICE AND SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE", incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of in vivo diagnosis and therapeutics, more specifically, the present invention relates to a system and a device for in vivo diagnosis and therapeutics including an extendable and/or moveable element. BACKGROUND [0003] Devices and methods for performing in-vivo medical procedures and imagery are known in the art. Such devices may be, for example, inserted into a patient's body and advanced through internal lumens or cavities of the body to a site of interest located inside a patient's body [0004] One group of in-vivo medical devices includes various endoscopic systems. The imaging capabilities of such endoscopic systems may be limited and provide only a partial forward field of vision, although some endoscope systems do allow for the field of view to be changed. Additionally, although a variety of medical instruments may be passed through the endoscopic tube to enable treatment at a site of interest, such instruments are usually relatively cumbersome and may require complicated controls and cause pain or discomfort to a patient. [0005] Another group of devices for performing in-vivo medical procedures and imagery includes autonomous in-vivo devices. An example of such devices may be a swallowable device such as a capsule having an optical assembly capable of providing images from inside a body cavity or lumen such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The design of autonomous in-vivo devices, such as swallowable capsules, may be subjected to size constraints and other limitations. [0006] It would be desirable to have a medical instrument having improved qualities such as maneuverability and control and substantially small dimensions that is suitable for a wide variety of medical tasks, and that in addition may include controls or devices for manipulating objects, tools or substances within or external to the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] There is thus provided, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a typically in vivo system and/or device including one or more extendable and/or moveable elements or arms, which may be termed proboscises. The proboscises may, for example, act as one or more "arms" to perform a variety of tasks or, for example, may be used to propel, move, stabilize or hold the device. In some embodiments, the arms or proboscises may be progressively extendable, and the extension of the proboscis may be. omni-directionally controlled by, for example, outside direction by an operator, or autonomously. In another embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous L in vivo device may include one or more proboscises. In alternate embodiments, the extendable element may be Used in a non-medical field or application. The device may be autonomous, and may include an on-board power supply, such as a battery or a power receiving system. [0008] Various suitable structures for an arm or extendible element may be used. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of segments may be used. A set of control wires may connect to the arm or element, and if segments are used may connect to individual segments. Devices that may be used to move the arm or element may include, for example, piezo material, shape memory material, motors, or other suitable elements BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which: [0010] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustration of an in vivo system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustration of an autonomous in vivo device, according to another embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 1C is a cutaway view of a device including an extendable element and storage tanks according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2A is a front cross sectional view of an extendable element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 2B is a side-sectional view of an extendable element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cutaway view of a portion of an extendable element according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view of a portion of an extendable element, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the extendable element of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a piezo element of the extendable element of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and [0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a capsule with multiple extendable elements according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method, system and device for suction biopsy Next Patent Application: In-vivo visualization system Industry Class: Surgery ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the In-vivo extendable element device and system, and method of use patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.80096 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Daimler Chrysler , DirecTV , Exxonmobil Chemical Company , Goodyear , Intel , Kyocera Wireless , |
||
