Actuator apparatus for operating a surgical instrument
US11123134B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R2201/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coupler apparatus for coupling electrical signals between an actuator and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is disposed at a distal end of an elongate articulated positioner and used to position the end effector for performing surgical operations. The articulated positioner has a central lumen and the apparatus includes an elongate body sized to be slidingly received within the central lumen of the articulated positioner, at least a portion of the body being operable to flex during movement of the articulated positioner. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the body, and a plurality of proximal electrical contacts disposed at a proximal end of the body for removably connecting each of the electrical conductors to respective electrical signal lines at the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.