Adjustable supporting bracket having plural ball and socket joints
US5899425A · kind A · utility
319Cited by
20References
15Claims
0Family size
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32032
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An articulating supporting bracket for a surgical tissue stabilizer comprises a series of elements joined to one another by articulating ball-and-socket joints. A flexible cable extends through passages in the elements, and, when tightened, causes the balls and sockets to lock together frictionally. The ball of each joint fits into its socket by an interference fit, whereby the ball and socket of each joint engage one another over an area of contact when the cable is tightened, thereby providing a strong, rigid support for the tissue stabilizer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.