Articulation and firing force mechanisms
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
- an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis that extends through the proximal and distal portions;
a transfer bar supported by the distal portion and adapted to articulate relative to the proximal portion about an axis of articulation that extends between the proximal and distal portions;
a drive element adapted to direct a drive force through the elongate member; and
a transfer device supported within the elongate member and adapted to redirect the drive force around the axis of articulation and toward the transfer bar.
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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
12 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument comprising:
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an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis that extends through the proximal and distal portions; a transfer bar supported by the distal portion and adapted to articulate relative to the proximal portion about an axis of articulation that extends between the proximal and distal portions; a drive element adapted to direct a drive force through the elongate member; and a transfer device supported within the elongate member and adapted to redirect the drive force around the axis of articulation and toward the transfer bar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification