Patent ID: 6048307
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61B,H02N

Abstract:
An endoscope assembly with an endoscope shaft having a movable section in a front end portion, and having at least one miniaturized piezoelectric drive member provided therein for moving the movable section via a motion-transmitting member, said motion-transmitting member including an elongated strand which cooperates directly with the drive member; and said drive member including two piezoelectrically-operable clamping members for alternating clamping engagement with the motion-transmitting member, each of said clamping members having a piezoelectric member and an engagement body which is inclined relative to the motion-transmitting member, said engagement body being operable to pivot under the influence of said piezoelectric member so as to provide a clamping engagement with a side of said motion-transmitting member.