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. 02, 2013
Filed:
Apr. 22, 2010
Zhifan F. Huang, Mason, OH (US);
Chad P. Boudreaux, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Joseph C. Huell, Loveland, OH (US);
Dean B. Bruewer, Fairfield, OH (US);
David B. Smith, Mason, OH (US);
Zhifan F. Huang, Mason, OH (US);
Chad P. Boudreaux, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Joseph C. Huell, Loveland, OH (US);
Dean B. Bruewer, Fairfield, OH (US);
David B. Smith, Mason, OH (US);
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a closure tube configured to at least partially surround the anvil and the staple cartridge channel to hold the anvil in a closed position. The closure tube can extend around the anvil a greater distance than the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and, in addition, an articulation joint pivotably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The articulation joint can further comprise a floating guide member which can guidably support a knife bar extending into the end effector and, at the same time, move independently of the end effector and the shaft to provide such support.