Low-friction medical tools having roller-assisted tension members
US11992286B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/715
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A low-friction medical device is provided having roller-assisted tension members and a friction-reducing curved guide path. The device includes a first link, a second link, and a tension member. A proximal end portion of the first link is coupled to an instrument shaft. A proximal end portion of the second link is rotatably coupled to a distal end portion of first link about a first axis. The second link defines a curved guide path and a cable extends from the first link through the curved guide path to a distal end of the second link and couples with a tool member. A roller having a roller surface is coupled to the second link such that the roller surface is aligned with a portion of the curved path and contacts the cable therein. The curved guide surface has a small fleet angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.