Surgical instrument with flexible drive mechanism
AssigneeTyco Healthcare Group LP
InventorFrank J. Viola
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims18
A surgical instrument drive mechanism, comprising:
- a rotatable drive member;
- a crank operatively connected 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.
In a surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated body portion, and a tool assembly, the improvement comprising:
- a drive mechanism, including:
- a rotatable drive member;
- a crank operatively connected 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 clutch oscillating movement of the clutch causes rotation of the gear.
A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising the steps of:
- providing a drive mechanism including:
- a rotatable drive member;
- a crank operatively connected a the drive member;
- a clutch 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;
- actuating the drive mechanism;
- clamping a tissue portion;
- and
- fastening the tissue portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.