Surgical end effectors with positive jaw opening arrangements

US10182818B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Adam D. Hensel · Cincinnati, US
• Austin E. Wise · Cincinnati, US
• Kenneth E. Carper · Cincinnati, US
• Lauren S. Weaner · Cincinnati, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Chester O. Baxter, III · Loveland, US
• Jeffrey S. Swayze · Hamilton, US
• Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs · Cincinnati, US
• Josiah J. Brinkerhoff · Cincinnati, US
• Daniel V. Jones · Milford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 22, 2019
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0818
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.