Patent · US Active

Surgical instruments and components for use in sterile environments

US8414577B2 · kind B2 · utility

1,839Cited by
1,225References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 19, 2009
Grant dateApr 9, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 8, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61L2202/24
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprises a first portion encapsulated by a membrane and a second portion comprising a surgical instrument body and a cavity in the surgical instrument body. The cavity is configured to receive the first portion. The second portion comprises a first region comprising an opening in communication with the cavity, and a closure member movable between a first position and a second position. The closure member is in sealable engagement with the second region when it is in the first position and is at least partially free from sealable engagement with the second region when it is in the second position. One or more electrical contacts on the first portion or the second portion are configured to penetrate the membrane to allow a connection to be made between the first portion and the second portion when the closure member moves from the second position into the first position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.