Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc.

The Torrington Company

Brian McMorrow

Mark I Jurras, Iii

Richard L Lemoine

Arnold M Terrill

Ward R Cusati

Tom H Merrifield

Alan L Chambers

Eric L Sejourne

A multi-functional surgical instrument having an interchangeable surgical tool removeably, rotatably attached to a handle. An axially moveable sheath on the surgical tool is moveable from a retracted first position wherein an electrosurgical electrode is exposed to an extended second position wherein the sheath covers the electrosurgical electrode. Both the interchangeable surgical tools and the handle are sterilizable and disposable.

Electrosurgical instrument with interchangeable surgical tools

First and second radial actuating clamps provide selective radial engagement with a housing for preloaded bearings. An axial actuator, retained between the first and second radial actuating clamps, provides selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuator clamps. A method for adjusting the preload of preloaded bearings mounted within a housing is also disclosed. The method includes alternate clamping and unclamping of two radial actuating clamps against the housing while an axial actuator expands and contracts the axial distance between the radial actuating clamps.

Preload adjustment apparatus and method

Growing community of inventors

Waterbury, CT, United States of America

Brian McMorrow