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.