Articulation and firing force mechanisms
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
- a handle;
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 device positioned in the articulation portion, the transfer device receiving a driving force from the drive element, and an actuator having a series of abutments for receiving the driving force and incrementally advancing the actuator.
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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.
639 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument comprising:
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a handle; 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 device positioned in the articulation portion, the transfer device receiving a driving force from the drive element, and an actuator having a series of abutments for receiving the driving force and incrementally advancing the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification