ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED END EFFECTOR
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.
791 Citations
20 Claims
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1-17. -17. (canceled)
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18. A stapling assembly, comprising:
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an anvil; a channel pivotably connected to the anvil, wherein the channel is configured to support a replaceable staple cartridge; a closure member configured to move the anvil relative to the channel between an open position and a closed position; a firing member configured to engage at least one of the anvil and the channel; an electric motor operably coupled to the firing member; and means for preventing movement of the firing member if the anvil is in a position other than the closed position.
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19. A stapling assembly, comprising:
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an anvil; a channel, wherein the anvil is pivotably coupled to the channel, and wherein the channel is configured to support a replaceable staple cartridge; a closure member configured to move the anvil relative to the channel between an open position and a fully-closed position; a firing member configured to engage at least one of the anvil and the channel; an electric motor operably coupled to the firing member; and means for preventing movement of the firing member if the anvil is in a position other than the fully-closed position.
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20. A stapling assembly, comprising:
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an anvil; a channel, wherein the anvil is pivotable relative to the channel, and wherein the channel is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge; a closure member configured to move the anvil relative to the channel between an open position and a fully-clamped position; a firing member configured to engage the anvil and the channel; an electric motor operably engageable with the firing member; and means for preventing movement of the firing member if the anvil is in a position other than the fully-clamped position.
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Specification