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:
Apr. 11, 1995
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1993
Warren P Williamson, Loveland, OH (US);
Steven Burnett, W. Chester, OH (US);
Jack E Smith, Dayton, OH (US);
Mark Fogelberg, Loveland, OH (US);
E David Allen, Okeana, OH (US);
Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ (US);
Abstract
An articulable assembly is provided for an endoscopic instrument along with a surgical fastener track therefor. The assembly includes a distal end portion for supporting an end effector to effect tissue manipulation while carrying out a surgical procedure within a body cavity. The assembly includes an articulable joint connecting an elongate support housing with the distal end portion. The joint includes a hollow socket and a convex member that is received in the socket. The convex member defines a passageway for accommodating an actuator extending from the housing through the joint to actuate the end effector. An operator is provided on the housing and extends to the socket or convex member for moving the distal end portion into and out of alignment with the housing. A flexible track is provided for guiding fasteners through the joint.