Method of constructing a jaw member for an end effector assembly
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorsGlenn A. Horner, Christina A. Oliver, Kim V. Brandt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezo electric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.
Claims20
A method of constructing an end effector assembly, the method comprising:
- forming a first jaw member of the end effector assembly;
- assembling an insulative plate including:
- adhering a conductive layer to a plastic substrate;
- applying a conductive layer mask to the conductive layer such that the conductive layer mask exposes a portion of the conductive layer and outlines a circuit trace;
- etching the exposed portion of the conductive layer;
- removing the conductive layer mask;
- and
- attaching the insulative plate to a support base of the first jaw member.
A method of constructing an end effector assembly, the method comprising:
- forming a first jaw member of the end effector assembly;
- assembling an insulative plate including:
- adhering a conductive layer to a plastic substrate;
- applying a conductive layer mask to the conductive layer such that the conductive layer mask exposes a portion of the conductive layer and outlines a circuit trace;
- applying an etching solution to the exposed portion of the conductive layer to etch the exposed portion of the conductive layer;
- removing the conductive layer mask;
- and
- attaching the insulative plate to a support base of the first jaw member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.