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. 01, 2014
Filed:
May. 17, 2010
Patrick A. Weizman, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Lebanon, OH (US);
Raymond M. Banks, Cupertino, CA (US);
Timothy G. Dietz, Terrace Park, OH (US);
Jason L. Harris, Mason, OH (US);
Zhifan F. Huang, Mason, OH (US);
David K. Norvell, Monroe, OH (US);
David A. Witt, Maineville, OH (US);
Steve G. Bernath, Gilroy, CA (US);
Patrick A. Weizman, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Lebanon, OH (US);
Raymond M. Banks, Cupertino, CA (US);
Timothy G. Dietz, Terrace Park, OH (US);
Jason L. Harris, Mason, OH (US);
Zhifan F. Huang, Mason, OH (US);
David K. Norvell, Monroe, OH (US);
David A. Witt, Maineville, OH (US);
Steve G. Bernath, Gilroy, CA (US);
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue.