Method and apparatus for determining parameters of linear motion in a surgical instrument
US8967443B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0811
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A sensor senses a parameter of light reflected from the surface of the firing rod, which includes markings that change the reflectivity of the firing rod. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position and speed of the firing rod, based on the sensed parameter of the light reflected from the surface of the firing rod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.