US 12,167,886 B2
Accurate jaw closure force in a catheter based instrument
Duane E. Kerr, Loveland, CO (US)
Assigned to Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on Feb. 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/672,812.
Application 17/672,812 is a continuation of application No. 12/786,589, filed on May 25, 2010, granted, now 11,278,345.
Prior Publication US 2022/0226038 A1, Jul. 21, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 34/00 (2016.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/1445 (2013.01) [A61B 34/71 (2016.02); A61B 2017/00314 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00323 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2925 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for remotely activating an end effector of an articulating surgical instrument, the apparatus comprising:
a housing including at least one actuator configured to receive an input for remotely activating an end effector of an articulating surgical instrument; and
a driving assembly disposed within the housing, the driving assembly including a spring configured to be compressed in response to the least one actuator receiving the input to cause a drive wire to activate the end effector, the driving assembly including a compression tab and a cam piston configured to move the compression tab proximally to compress the spring, wherein the spring stretches as a result of the end effector being disposed in an articulated position thereby placing the drive wire under increased tension as a result of a spring force on the stretched spring.