Surgical instrument incorporating EAP complete firing system lockout mechanism
First Claim
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
- an implement portion actuated by a distally moving firing member having a proximal engaging portion;
a firing actuator proximate to and aligned with the proximal engaging portion of the firing member, the firing actuator operatively configured to longitudinally reciprocate;
an engagement mechanism operatively configured to couple distal movement of the firing actuator into the proximal engaging portion of the firing member; and
a lockout mechanism comprising;
a disengaging biasing member uncoupling the engagement mechanism, andan electrical actuator opposingly positioned to overcome the disengaging biasing member when activated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A spring-biased side pawl firing mechanism is enabled by activation of an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) block actuator that overcomes a disengagement spring bias and moves a linked rack into proximity with a side pawl firing mechanism. Thereby, various sensed or commanded inputs may be incorporated to prevent inadvertent firing.
1927 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an implement portion actuated by a distally moving firing member having a proximal engaging portion; a firing actuator proximate to and aligned with the proximal engaging portion of the firing member, the firing actuator operatively configured to longitudinally reciprocate; an engagement mechanism operatively configured to couple distal movement of the firing actuator into the proximal engaging portion of the firing member; and a lockout mechanism comprising; a disengaging biasing member uncoupling the engagement mechanism, and an electrical actuator opposingly positioned to overcome the disengaging biasing member when activated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector comprising pivotally attached opposing jaws and a staple cartridge contained in one of the opposing jaws; a distally moving firing bar member comprising a distal portion operably configured to actuate the staple cartridge and to sever tissue clamped in the opposing jaws; a rack attached proximally to the firing bar member; a reciprocating firing actuator proximate to and aligned with the rack; an engagement mechanism operatively configured to couple distal movement of the firing actuator into the rack; a lockout mechanism comprising; a disengaging biasing member uncoupling the engagement mechanism from the rack, and an electrical actuator opposingly positioned to overcome the disengaging biasing member when activated. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification