SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FLEXIBLE DRIVE MECHANISM
Inventor: Frank J. Viola, Sandy Hook, CT (US)
Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP, North
Haven, CT (US)
Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
Appl.No.: 12/478,415
Filed: Jun. 4, 2009
Prior Publication Data
US 2009/0236393 Al Sep. 24, 2009
Related U.S. Application Data
Continuation of application No. 11/893,312, filed on Aug. 15, 2007, now Pat. No. 7,556,185.
Int. CI.
A61B 17/068 (2006.01)
U.S. CI 227/175.1; 227/19; 606/139;
606/219; 173/178; 173/205
Field of Classification Search 227/175.1,
227/19, 178.1, 176.1, 180.1; 173/178, 205;
606/139, 219, 153 See application file for complete search history.
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(Continued)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
WO WO 97/29694 A 8/1997
(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
European Search Report for EP 08252692.2-2310 date of completion is Nov. 27, 2008 (9 pages).
Primary Examiner—Scott A. Smith (57) ABSTRACT
A drive mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a rotatable drive member, a crank operatively coupled to the drive member; a clutch operatively coupled to the crank, wherein rotational motion of the drive member causes oscillating movement of the clutch; and a gear rotatably coupled to the clutch, wherein the oscillating movement of the clutch causes rotation of the gear. The drive mechanism may further include a gear configured to engage a linear member. The crank may include a pin extending distally therefrom. The clutch may include a slot dimensioned and configured to receive a pin of the crank.
14 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
