Patent ID: 8365633

Claim:
A distal dexterity apparatus comprising: at least one distal dexterity device; wherein each of the at least one distal dexterity device has an operable end, the operable end including a tool and a flexible manipulation device, wherein the tool is operably coupled to the flexible manipulation device; wherein the flexible manipulation device is configured and arranged so as to maneuver the tool in one or more directions; an actuation device that is operably coupled to the flexible manipulation device; wherein the actuation device is configured and arranged so as to cause the flexible manipulation device to maneuver the operably coupled tool in one or more directions responsive to outputs of the actuation device; wherein said flexible manipulation device includes a plurality of axial extending members, each of the axially extending members being configured and arranged so as to be flexible in bending and stiff in the axial direction so that the axially extending members serve as structural stiffening elements when the manipulation device is being manipulated so as to move the tool; wherein said flexible manipulation device includes: a base member, an end member, the end member being proximal the tool, one or more intermediate spacer members, and wherein one of the plurality of axial extending members is secured to each of the base member, the end member and each of the intermediate spacer members; and wherein the other of the plurality of axial extending members are flexible tubular members having internal actuator wires disposed therein to maneuver the operably coupled tool, the flexible tubular members secured to the end member and slidably disposed through apertures in each of the one or more intermediate members and the base member.