Patent · US Active

Link systems and articulation mechanisms for remote manipulation of surgical or diagnostic tools

US9517326B2 · kind B2 · utility

751Cited by
127References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 5, 2014
Grant dateDec 13, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 19, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M25/0138
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An articulating mechanism for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool comprises an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of axially aligned links located at the distal end of the shaft. The articulating mechanism also includes an actuating element connected to and configured to cause movement of the axially aligned links and a locking mechanism located proximal of the axially aligned links. The locking mechanism including a collar mechanism through which the actuating element extends and a locking member movable between first and second positions. The collar mechanism frictionally impedes motion of the actuating element when the locking member is in the first position and the collar mechanism allows translation of the actuating element when the locking member is in the second position.

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