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US 12,440,232 B2Granted
Laparoscopic devices and methods of using
AssigneeBoard of Regents of the University of Nebraska
InventorsM. Susan Hallbeck, Jakeb Riggle, Adam de Laveaga, Jake Kaufman
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Abstract
A number of improvements to laparoscopic devices are described herein, primarily to improve the ergonomic functionality of the devices. For example, an articulating rod system is described, a gripping mechanism is described, and an end effector is described.
Claims8
A control mechanism comprising
- an articulating rod system;
- a control sphere;
- and
- an articulation control rod engaged within the control sphere and extending distally from the control sphere,
- wherein the articulating rod system comprises:
- an articulation control member comprising a receiving annulus;
- a plurality of connection rods;
- a spherical portion coupled within a socket of the articulation control rod;
- and
- at least one rod guide,
- wherein proximal ends of the plurality of connection rods terminate at a surface of the receiving annulus, and the plurality of connection rods extend distally from the articulation control member,
- wherein each of the plurality of connection rods are constructed of rigid material that does not bend, fold, give or otherwise lose tension during use, and
- wherein a distal end of the articulation control rod and a proximal end of the articulation control member are connected at a ball-and-socket joint.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.