Robotic loader for surgical stapling cartridge
First Claim
1. A tool for picking up a frame to which a plurality of drivers for a surgical stapling cartridge is mounted, the tool comprising:
- (a) a prime mover;
(b) a first finger drivingly linked to the prime mover, the first finger having a first pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the first pair of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces on the driver frame; and
(b) a second finger connected to the prime mover, the second finger having a second pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the second finger that is substantially opposed to the inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the second pair of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces of the driver frame.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.
1268 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A tool for picking up a frame to which a plurality of drivers for a surgical stapling cartridge is mounted, the tool comprising:
-
(a) a prime mover; (b) a first finger drivingly linked to the prime mover, the first finger having a first pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the first pair of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces on the driver frame; and (b) a second finger connected to the prime mover, the second finger having a second pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the second finger that is substantially opposed to the inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the second pair of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces of the driver frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A tool for picking up a frame to which a plurality of swing tabs for a surgical stapling cartridge is mounted, the tool comprising:
-
(a) a prime mover; (b) a first finger drivingly linked to the prime mover, the first finger having a first pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the first pair of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces on the swing tab frame; and (b) a second finger connected to the prime mover, the second finger having a second pair and a third pair of transverse planar panels formed in an inwardly facing surface of the second finger that is substantially opposed to the inwardly facing surface of the first finger, the second and third pairs of transverse planar panels adapted to seat against corresponding surfaces of the swing tab frame. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification