| abstract |
An articulated probe (10), comprising: a first mechanism (12, 14) comprised of a plurality of links; a second mechanism (12, 14) comprised of a plurality of links; a first wire extending through either said plurality of links of said first mechanism (12, 14) or said plurality of links of said second mechanism (12, 14) and a plurality of wires running through the other of said plurality of links of said first mechanism (12, 14) or said plurality of links of said second mechanism (12, 14); a device for producing command signals; and an electromechanical feeder (16) responsive to said command signals, said electromechanical feeder (16) capable of alternating each of said first mechanism (12) and second mechanism (14) between a limp mode and a rigid mode and comprising: a first motor for controlling the tension of said first wire or said plurality of wires, one of said first mechanism or said second mechanism being responsive to said first motor; and a second motor for controlling the tension of the other of said first wire or said plurality of wires, the other of said first mechanism or said second mechanism being responsive to said second motor and a method of moving the articulated probe. |