Method and apparatus for reducing at least one friction force opposing an axial force exerted through an actuator element
US8347757B2 · kind B2 · utility
97Cited by
11References
17Claims
0Family size
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Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Actuator elements such as cables or push rods in an instrument are used for manipulating an end effector or distal end of the instrument. Each actuator element extends within a tubular housing and either the tubular housing is axially rotated about the actuator element or the actuator element is axially rotated within the tubular housing to reduce at least one force opposing an axial force exerted through or movement of the actuator element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.