ACTIVATION FEATURES FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
First Claim
1. An ultrasonic instrument comprising:
- (a) a body, wherein the body defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer;
(b) an actuation assembly, wherein the actuation assembly comprises;
(i) a plurality of buttons, wherein the plurality of buttons are disposed angularly about the body, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body, and(ii) a switch, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons is configured to actuate the switch;
(c) a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the contact switch is operable to trigger activation of the acoustic waveguide; and
(d) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An ultrasonic instrument comprises a handle assembly or other kind of body configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer and a shaft assembly having an acoustic waveguide and an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide such that the ultrasonic transducer is operable to drive the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically via the acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic instrument further comprises an actuation assembly disposed within the handle assembly. The actuation assembly includes a plurality of buttons disposed about the handle assembly in an angularly spaced array. Each button may be depressed independently of the rest to thereby actuate a switch assembly such that power is provided to the ultrasonic transducer, the acoustic waveguide, and the ultrasonic blade. The actuation assembly is operable to convert radial movement of the buttons into longitudinal, transverse, and/or pivotal movement that actuates the switch assembly.
13 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An ultrasonic instrument comprising:
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(a) a body, wherein the body defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer; (b) an actuation assembly, wherein the actuation assembly comprises; (i) a plurality of buttons, wherein the plurality of buttons are disposed angularly about the body, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body, and (ii) a switch, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons is configured to actuate the switch; (c) a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the contact switch is operable to trigger activation of the acoustic waveguide; and (d) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An ultrasonic instrument comprising:
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(a) a body, wherein the body defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer; (b) an actuation assembly, wherein the actuation assembly comprises; (i) a plurality of buttons, wherein the plurality of buttons are disposed angularly about the body, wherein each button of the plurality of buttons is operable to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body, (ii) a switch, wherein the switch is secured to a first button of the plurality of buttons, and (iii) a band in communication with one or more of the buttons, wherein the band is configured to translate transversely or flex to thereby actuate the switch, wherein the band is in contact with at least a second button of the plurality of buttons, wherein at least the second button of the plurality of buttons is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body to thereby cause transverse translation or flexing of the band; (c) a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the contact switch is operable to trigger activation of the acoustic waveguide; and (d) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. An ultrasonic instrument comprising:
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(a) a body, wherein the body defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer; (b) an actuation assembly, wherein the actuation assembly comprises; (i) a plurality of buttons, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a first button and a second button, and (ii) a switch, wherein the switch is secured to the first button of the plurality of buttons, wherein the first button is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body to thereby actuate the switch, wherein the second button is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the body to thereby actuate the switch; (c) a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the contact switch is operable to trigger activation of the acoustic waveguide; and (d) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide.
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Specification