Articulating surgical instrument
US5702408A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2929
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A four-bar linkage for an articulation assembly adapted for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The first link is in the form of an actuation lever which pivots transversely to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The second and third links are operatively connected to the first link. The fourth link is in the form of an end effector for the instrument, and it is rotatably attached to the second and third links for movement transverse to the longitudinal axis. When the first link is pivotally rotated, a driver assembly causes the second and third links to move in tandem generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument in opposite directions. Consequently, the end effector rotates in the same direction as that of the actuation lever from an unarticulated position to an articulated position. The four-bar linkage is simple and efficient, and eliminates the need for a conventional central pivot for the articulation joint. By making the linkage the primary structural support of the end effector, clearance can be provided centrally between the second and third links to allow for the passage of additional linkages and members which are needed to actuate the end e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.