A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid
and a motorized or powerable frame. The apparatus may be used to advance a variety
of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical
and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space
or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced
by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a
continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the
outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates
into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes
and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and
navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered
and the direction and speed may be controlled. The apparatus may be used to transport
a variety of accessory devices to desired locations within tubular spaces and environments
where medical and non-medical procedures may be performed.