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Method and force-limiting handle mechanism for a surgical instrument

  • US 8,708,210 B2
  • Filed: 10/05/2006
  • Issued: 04/29/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument having an operative distal end portion comprising:

  • a handle housing;

    a drive element movably mounted within the handle housing and connected to an operative distal end portion;

    a drive assembly positioned within the handle housing and engageable with the drive element to move the drive element within the handle housing;

    an actuator movably mounted on the handle housing; and

    a force-limiting mechanism interposed between the drive assembly and the actuator, the force-limiting mechanism releasably connecting the actuator to the drive assembly, wherein a portion of the force-limiting mechanism is pivotably attached to the drive assembly about a pivot, and wherein the pivot is stationary with respect to the handle housing;

    wherein the force-limiting mechanism includes a connecting rod having a first end connected to a portion of the drive assembly and a second end movably mounted within the actuator.

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