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:
Dec. 17, 2013
Filed:
Jan. 07, 2010
Ryan J. Laurent, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Brett E. Swensgard, West Chester, OH (US);
Bret W. Smith, Kings Mills, OH (US);
Craig S. Smith, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Cory G. Kimball, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Wendy A. Kerr, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Ryan J. Laurent, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Brett E. Swensgard, West Chester, OH (US);
Bret W. Smith, Kings Mills, OH (US);
Craig S. Smith, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Cory G. Kimball, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Wendy A. Kerr, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
In various embodiments, a surgical test device for a surgical tool, such as a severing and/or sealing tool (e.g., a surgical stapler), is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool can be configured to supply at least one actuation motion to an end effector. The actuation motion(s) may cause a cutting member to move within and/or sealing members (e.g., staples) to eject from the end effector. Further, in at least one embodiment, the surgical test device can be releasably engaged to a portion of the surgical tool, such as the end effector. Additionally, the surgical test device can be configured to permit the surgical tool to supply the actuation motion(s) while preventing the tool from performing its intended surgical function. Accordingly, the surgical tool may be test fired without wasting a sealing member cartridge, while preventing inappropriate use of the tool when the test device is attached thereto.