Applicator instruments having drive systems with flexible members for dispensing surgical fasteners
US10918381B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0808
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes an elongated shaft, a housing connected with the elongated shaft, a trigger, a gear train, and a firing system disposed in the housing. The trigger is squeezed for commencing a firing cycle. The firing system includes a storage reel, a spool connected to the storage reel, a drive wheel located distal to the storage reel and the spool, a constant torque spring having a proximal end connected to the spool and a distal end connected to the drive wheel, and a flexible member in contact with the drive wheel. The flexible member has a proximal end connected to the storage reel and a length configured to be driven by the drive wheel toward the distal end of the elongated shaft. During an energy storing stage, the gear train is coupled with the storage reel for rotating the storage reel in a counterclockwise direction, which, in turn, retracts and winds the flexible member onto the storage reel, which rotates the drive wheel in a counterclockwise direction and winds the constant torque spring from the spool onto the drive wheel for storing energy in the constant torque spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.