APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING OPERATIONS ON A WORKPIECE AT AN INACCESSIBLE LOCATION

摘要

An apparatus and method for performing an operation on a workpiece at an inaccessible location are described. The apparatus includes a tube (11) with proximal and distal ends, the distal end being insertable in use into an inaccessible location. A head (19) is flexibly coupled to the distal end of the tube (11) and can be moved relative to the tube (11) by control means (40). Laser energy can be transmitted through the tube (11) and out of the head (19). The apparatus includes viewing means (12) for gathering and displaying an image of the workpiece and tracking means operable to identify and record the position of one or more selected points of the workpiece. A processor (42) is provided to actuate the control means (40) so as to move the head (19) to direct the laser energy to the selected point or points of a workpiece and to control the laser so as to perform the desired operation on the workpiece.