Robotically-controlled end effector
AssigneeEthicon, Inc.
InventorsJerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.
Claims19
1-17. (canceled)
A surgical fastening system, comprising:
- an end effector assembly, comprising:
- a first jaw;
- a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw between an open position and a closed position;
- a fastener cartridge body;
- and
- a plurality of fasteners removably stored in said fastener cartridge body;
- an electric motor;
- a firing member, wherein said electric motor is configured to impart a firing motion to said firing member to eject said fasteners from said fastener cartridge body;
- and
- a control system configured to:
- evaluate whether said end effector cartridge assembly is in a fire-ready condition;
- allow said electric motor to apply said firing motion to said firing member when said end effector assembly is in said fire-ready condition;
- and
- prevent said electric motor from applying said firing motion to said firing member when said end effector assembly is not in said fire-ready condition.
A surgical stapling system, comprising:
- an end effector assembly, comprising:
- a first jaw;
- a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw between an open position and a closed position;
- a cartridge body;
- and
- a plurality of staples removably stored in said cartridge body;
- an electric motor;
- a firing member, wherein said electric motor is configured to impart a firing motion to said firing member to eject said staples from said cartridge body;
- observing means for observing whether said end effector assembly is in a fire-ready condition;
- permitting means for permitting said electric motor to apply said firing motion to said firing member when said end effector assembly is in said fire-ready condition;
- and
- preventing means for preventing said electric motor from applying said firing motion to said firing member when said end effector assembly is not in said fire-ready condition.
A surgical stapling system, comprising:
- a surgical implement, comprising:
- a first jaw;
- a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw between an open position and a closed position;
- and
- a replaceable staple cartridge including a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
- an electric motor;
- a firing member, wherein said electric motor is configured to drive said firing member through a staple firing stroke to eject said staples from said replaceable staple cartridge;
- observing means for observing whether said surgical implement is in a fire-ready condition;
- permitting means for permitting said electric motor to perform said staple firing stroke when said surgical implement is in said fire-ready condition;
- and
- preventing means for preventing said electric motor from performing said staple firing stroke when said surgical implement is not in said fire-ready condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.