Shaft assembly comprising first and second articulation lockouts

US10542982B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Andrew T. Beckman · Cincinnati, US
• Robert L. Koch, Jr. · Cincinnati, US
• Jeffrey S. Swayze · Hamilton, US
• Mark S. Zeiner · Milford, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Jason L. Harris · Lebanon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 21, 2016
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 2037

Classification

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

Abstract

An end effector is disclosed which comprises a shaft, an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation driver configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint. The end effector further comprises a first articulation lock configured to engage the end effector and a second articulation lock configured to engage the articulation driver which co-operatively prevent the end effector from rotating relative to the shaft, when actuated. The actuation and/or de-actuation of the first articulation lock and the second articulation lock can be contemporaneous or, in certain instances, staggered.