Apparatus and method for positioning and moving a flexible element
US5678579A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/3417
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for positioning and moving a flexible element in space. The element is formed into a loop mounted on a pair of positioning handles. The loop, which may be a real or a virtual loop, is mounted on the two handles so as to be movable relative to the handles and to form a working segment of the element between corresponding one free end of the handles, each by one hand or both by the fingers (and thumb) of one hand, positions the working segment in space and manipulation of the loop moves the working segment relative to the handles. The apparatus and method find advantageous application in dental flossing devices, a laparoscopic surgical device or cutting or abrading devices, for example.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.