Ethicon, Gmbh

Other

William L Hassler

Daniel W Price

Charles M Armstrong

Edward T Schneider

Donald B Hovis

Thomas Murray

Richard J Brom

Described herein is a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprising an elongate tubular section including a tubular portion and an end effector mount having first and second mount portions and a wrist mechanism associated with the first and second mount portions for permitting adjustment of the angular orientation of the first mount portion relative to the second mount portion. The tubular portion is pivotably connected to a proximal end of the second mount portion. First and second end effectors are further provided and are pivotably connected to a distal end of the first mount portion. Also provided is an actuator mechanism connected to the first and second end effectors for effecting pivotable movement of the first and second end effectors.

Surgical instrument

Described herein is an endoscopic instrument such as a dissector, scissor or grasper in which there is provided a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis of the instrument. This shaft is able to rotate about the handle portion of the instrument. This mechanism also provides for articulation of the end effectors with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This articulation is accomplished by causing angulation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Because driving the cable is accomplished around any such angle, the end effectors continue to be able to operate. There is disclosed herein a locking mechanism which allows the rotational aspect of the device to operate to rotate the entire articulating mechanism.

Rotational endoscopic mechanism with jointed drive mechanism

A cyclically inflatable, passive motion device which includes an air pump and air reservoir to provide a supply of pressurized air without transients. The air is directed by a selector valve to one of a plurality of paths each of which has a check valve which releases at a different pressure. A four-way solenoid valve directs the pressurized air to an inflatable support. The support may have any one of a number of shapes to move different parts of the body. One embodiment used for the neck includes two saddle-like, inflatable cushion members having legs which define a yoke-like opening that fits around the user's neck. A foam rubber envelope fits over the cushion, and they all fit inside of a cover. A second embodiment of the support includes an inflatable cushion having separate compartments which are alternately inflated and deflated. The compartmentalized cushion fits in a resilient cover and may be used with a heating pad. Other cushions are designed to support and move the knee and fingers.

Fluid-actuated medical support

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Sharonville, OH, United States of America

William L Hassler