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AssigneeSymbiosis Corporation
InventorsKevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sergio Rodriguez, John R. Whittier, Anthony Mazzeo
Estimating the term…
Remote control actuators for endoscopic tools are provided. Each remote control actuator includes a driver, a coupler which couple the endoscopic tool to the driver, a power source which power the driver, and a controller coupled to the power source and/or the driver for controlling the power applied to the driver. In conjunction with the controller, a user interface is preferably provided for user control of the remote control actuator which actuates the endoscopic tool. In addition, a sensing/feedback mechanism is preferably provided between the driver and the endoscopic tool and is coupled to the controller and/or the power source. The sensing/feedback mechanism senses the amount of tension or compression on the pull wire(s) of the endoscopic tool and provides a related signal to the controller so that the force applied to the endoscopic tool may be regulated. Various types of power sources are disclosed including electric, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Various types of drivers are disclosed, including a motor/linear actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, and a motor with or without reduction gears coupled to a pulley and belt or a sprocket and chain or a rack and pinion. In addition, several couplers, controllers, user interfaces, and sensing/feedback mechanisms are disclosed.
A remotely operable actuator for use with an endoscopic tool having a hollow tubular member and a control member extending through the tubular member, at least one end effector coupled to the distal ends of the tubular member and the control member, the tubular member and the control member having a proximal actuating end where the control member is movable through the tubular member to actuate the tool and effect movement of the at least one end effector, said actuator comprising:
An actuator for remote actuation of an endoscopic tool having a hollow tubular member and a control member extending through the tubular member, at least one end effector coupled to the distal ends of the tubular member and the control member, the tubular member and the control member having a proximal actuating end where the control member is movable through the tubular member to actuate the tool and effect movement of the at least one end effector, said actuator comprising:
An extension device for use with an endoscopic tool having a hollow tubular member and a control member extending through the tubular member, at least one end effector coupled to the distal ends of the tubular member and the control member, the tubular member and the control member having a proximal actuating end where the control member is movable through the tubular member to actuate the tool and effect movement of the at least one end effector, said extension device for coupling the proximal actuating end to a remotely located actuator, said extension device comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.