Articulation and firing force mechanisms
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
- a handle having an elongate-tubular member extending distally from the handle, the elongate tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an articulation portion positioned between the distal and proximal portions, the articulation portion allowing the distal portion to move relative to the proximal portion; and
a drive force mechanism including a drive element positioned in the proximal portion, a transfer bar positioned in the distal portion and a transfer device positioned in the articulation portion, the transfer device receiving a driving force from the drive element and reorienting the driving force around the articulation portion and to the transfer bar, the transfer device being rotatably mounted in the articulation portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument comprising:
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a handle having an elongate-tubular member extending distally from the handle, the elongate tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an articulation portion positioned between the distal and proximal portions, the articulation portion allowing the distal portion to move relative to the proximal portion; and a drive force mechanism including a drive element positioned in the proximal portion, a transfer bar positioned in the distal portion and a transfer device positioned in the articulation portion, the transfer device receiving a driving force from the drive element and reorienting the driving force around the articulation portion and to the transfer bar, the transfer device being rotatably mounted in the articulation portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification