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:
Oct. 31, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 14, 1998
Christopher Zirps, Milton, MA (US);
William R Rebh, Shrewsbury, MA (US);
Matthew Emans, Boston, MA (US);
Endius Incorporated, Plainville, MA (US);
Abstract
A coupling for releasably connecting first and second parts of an apparatus such as a surgical instrument. The coupling comprises a socket member on the first part of the apparatus, the socket member having an axially extending central opening, and a plug member on the second part of the apparatus. The socket member includes a first manually depressible release button and a first locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the central opening and movable radially with each other relative to the central opening when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member. The first locking element moves away from the central opening when the first release button is depressed. The socket member also includes a second manually depressible release button and a second locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the central opening and movable radially with each other relative to the central opening when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member. The second locking element moves away from the central opening when the second release button is depressed. The first and second locking elements are engageable with the plug member to block axial movement between the plug member and the socket member when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member.