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. 17, 2018
Filed:
Nov. 26, 2013
Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (US);
Craig N. Faller, Milford, OH (US);
Ryan M. Asher, Cincinnati, OH (US);
John B. Schulte, West Chester, OH (US);
Randal T. Byrum, Mason, OH (US);
Jose D. Vasquez, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Cincinnatti, OH (US);
Benjamin M. Boyd, Fairborn, OH (US);
Amy L. Marcotte, Mason, OH (US);
Jacob S. Gee, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Jonathan T. Batross, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Ethicon LLC, Guaynabo, PR (US);
Abstract
A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.