2,767,705 A 10/1956 Moore 3,060,972 A 10/1962 Sheldon 3,610,231 A 10/1971 Takahashi
et al. 3,739,770 A 6/1973 Mori 3,773,034 A 11/1973 Burns et al. 3,897,775 A 8/1975 …

Methods and systems are described for controlling move ment of a continuum robot that
includes a plurality of independently controlled segments along the length of the continuum …

Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/087,100, filed on Mar. 1, 2002, now Pat. No.
6,800,056, which is a continu ation-in-part of application No. 09/969,927, filed on Oct. 2 …

100 the endoscope assembly. Also, because the axial forces (tension and compression)
within the working channel are reduced, the working channel can be fabricated out of a …

(57) ABSTRACT A guide system for use With an endoscope, and a method of use is
disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member …

The present invention is directed to endoscope assemblies having working channels with
reduced bending and stretch ing resistance. In one embodiment, an endoscope assembly …

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive procedures are desirable because such procedures can
reduce pain and provide relatively quick recovery times as compared with conventional …

4,686,965 A 8, 1987 Bonnet et al. A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning
one or 4,721,097 A 1, 1988 Arnello more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is …

3,915, 157 A 10/1975 Mitsui A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an
4,436,087 A 3, 1984 Ouchi endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example …

Apparatus and methods for endoscope assemblies having working channels with reduced
bending and stretching resis tance are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endoscope …