The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 09, 2024
Filed:
Aug. 13, 2021
Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Ag, Zug, CH;
Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, Singapore, SG;
Philip Cormier, Newburyport, MA (US);
Smith & Nephew, Inc, Memphis, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Zug, CH;
Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, Singapore, SG;
Abstract
A surgical tool positioning device for positioning and holding a surgical tool is disclosed. The device includes an adjustable-friction ball and socket joint configured to provide three degrees of rotational freedom. A variable holding force may be applied to the ball via a locking member to selectively lock and unlock the adjustable-friction ball and socket joint. The socket includes a friction-inducing member housed therein and in contact with the ball. When the ball and socket joint is unlocked, this friction-inducing member provides sufficient frictional force to hold a position of the surgical tool. However, this frictional force may be overcome with intentional external forces such as during repositioning of the surgical tool.