Ring contact for rotatable connection of switch assembly for use in a surgical system
US6623500B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1861
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a surgical handpiece having a switch end cap detachably and rotatably connected to the handpiece body. A surgical instrument is inserted within the handpiece body so that a portion thereof extends beyond the handpiece body and is actuated to perform a surgical operation. The switch end cap includes a switch mechanism having one or more switch button members for selectively signaling the level of power to be delivered to the handpiece from a power source. According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism within the switch end cap is electrically connected to the handpiece body in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body, while still maintaining the electrical connection therebetween. This is accomplished by having conductive finger members and complementary conductive members provide the electrical connection between the switch end cap and the handpiece body. This permits a user to position the switch end cap in a desired location relative to the handpiece body and the instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.