Systems and methods for operating an end effector

US11026755B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. · US

Inventors

• David W. Weir · Redwood City, US
• Grant Duque · San Jose, US
• Kevin Durant · Alameda, US
• Patrick Flanagan · San Diego, US
• Margaret M. Nixon · San Jose, US
• David W. Robinson · Bay Ridge, US
• John W. Zabinski · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F3/16
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for operating an end effector include a first jaw, a second jaw, a first actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first jaw and the second jaw toward each other with a first force, and a second actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first jaw and the second jaw toward each other with a second force greater than the first force. The second actuation mechanism is different from the first actuation mechanism. In some embodiments, the first actuation mechanism includes a first pull cable configured to increase an angle between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second pull cable configured to decrease the angle between the first jaw and the second jaw. In some embodiments, the second actuation mechanism includes a lead screw.