Elongate Flexible Torque Instruments And Methods Of Use

Abstract

Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, the torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. An apparatus for transmission of torque includes an elongate body, comprising a plurality of joint segments, each joint segment configured to pivot with respect to an adjacent segment and being further configured to have at least two link elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2007 / 071535, titled “Torque Shaft and Torque Drive”, filed on Jun. 19, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 805,334, titled “Torque Shaft and Torque Drive”, filed on Jun. 20, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to elongate flexible instruments, and more particularly, to the manufacture and use of such elongate flexible instruments, which may be configured to be extension tools for a variety deployment, placement, installation, maintenance, repair, or removal type of functions, procedures, operations, or applications.[0004]2. Background[0005]Typical elongate flexible instruments may be comprised of flexible shafts, tubes, rods, etc., which may be susceptible to torque deflecti...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Typical elongate flexible instruments may be comprised of flexible shafts, tubes, rods, etc., which may be susceptible to torque deflection or torque lag to the extent that rotation of one end of the instrument may not correlate closely to rotation of the opposite end of the instrument and substantial amount of wind-up or excessive amount of initial rotation or torque may be required at the outset before correlatable rotation or torque transmission could be achieved.

In addition, elongate flexible instruments may be susceptible to buckling and / or kinking such that reliable torque transmission may be for practical purposes virtually impossible.

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