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:
Jan. 20, 2009
Filed:
Jun. 21, 2006
Jeffrey David Messerly, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Gary W. Knight, West Chester, OH (US);
Barry Thomas Jamison, Fairfield, OH (US);
William D. Shaw, Jr., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Jeffrey David Messerly, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Gary W. Knight, West Chester, OH (US);
Barry Thomas Jamison, Fairfield, OH (US);
William D. Shaw, Jr., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Ethicon-Endo Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for rotating an end effector on a long, flexible medical device. The methods and devices utilize an actuator mechanism that is effective to rotate an end effector on the distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The actuator mechanism is movable between a freely rotatable position and a rotationally resistant position. When the actuator mechanism is in a freely rotatable position, the actuator mechanism can be rotated to impart torque to the end effector, and thus at least a distal portion of the elongate shaft, to cause the end effector to rotate. In order to prevent the actuator mechanism from 'freewheeling,' wherein the actuator mechanism freely rotates in an opposite direction upon release rather than the end effector rotating in the desired direction, the actuator mechanism can be moved to the rotationally resistant position.