Importance

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Abstract

A serpentine device having a proximal end and a distal end comprising a series of discs arrayed in succession and on center along a common, neutral axis, wherein the discs comprise a first and second surface; and at least one flexible interconnect extending between and connecting each disc to any succeeding disc according to a pre-determined connection configuration, wherein the interconnects are indirectly connected to one another through the discs and configured to provide torsional and bending support to each of the discs connected thereto under an applied load, thus achieving a continuum of flexibility along an entire length of the serpentine device, as well as to facilitate the torquability of the serpentine device. The serpentine device may further comprise a bendable member and at least one transfer element configured to perform one or more transfer functions, namely the transfer of energy, work, fluid, electricity, light energy, sound energy, matter, etc. from one location to another location, and particularly from a source to one or more of the discs of the serpentine device. An actuation system is also featured, which is configured to selectively actuate the discs in a pre-determined direction in three-dimensional space.

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First Claim