Seal for surgical instrument

US10799257B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sarah A. Worthington · Cincinnati, US
• Andrew Kolpitcke · Centerville, US
• Laura A. Schoettmer · Cincinnati, US
• Laura R. Corsetto · West Orange, US
• John E. Brady · Cincinnati, US
• Christopher J. Hess · Cincinnati, US
• Douglas E. Withers · Cincinnati, US
• Ryan P. Posey · Cincinnati, US
• Jeffery D. Bruns · Cincinnati, US
• Gregory G. Scott · Cincinnati, US
• Alexander R. Cuti · Cincinnati, US
• Gregory J. Bakos · Mason, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 11, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01R2201/12
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly that releasably attaches to the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The body assembly includes a first electrical contact and a first sealing portion. The shaft assembly includes a second electrical contact and a second sealing portion. The first and second electrical contacts are configured to electrically couple together to establish an electrical connection therebetween when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly. The first and second sealing portions are configured to sealingly engage one another when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly to establish a liquid-tight seal that surrounds the electrical connection.