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Multiple firing stroke surgical instrument incorporating electroactive polymer anti-backup mechanism

  • US 7,513,408 B2
  • Filed: 07/14/2005
  • Issued: 04/07/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

  • an end effector;

    a longitudinally reciprocating firing member distally coupled to the end effector;

    a shaft having a distal end attached to the end effector and operatively configured to guide the firing member;

    a handle attached to a proximal end of the shaft operatively configured to distally advance the firing member in a sequence of strokes; and

    an electrical actuator physically grounded to the handle and responsive to an electrical signal to move between a non-binding and a binding position with the firing member to prevent longitudinal movement thereof,wherein the electrical actuator comprises an electroactive polymer actuator;

    wherein the shaft further comprises a frame ground longitudinally positioned by the handle, the electroactive polymer actuator comprising an electroactive polymer sleeve at least partially encompassing the firing member and attached to the frame ground.

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