US5749893A — Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw str…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 451 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, the surgical instrument comprising: a frame having an outer end; a first jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; a second jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the second jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; one of said first and second jaws having a staple cartridge for holding a plurality of staples adapted to be inserted in the tissue; the proximal portions of the first and second jaws mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are closer together for capturing said tissue, the jaws being in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least one of the jaws is located in an extended position away from the outer end of the frame and being in the approximated position when the distal portion of said one jaw is located in a retracted position closer to the outer end of the frame; an actuating mechanism mounted to the frame, the actuating mechanism in operative engagement with the jaws for moving the jaws between the open and approximated positions; both jaws being moveable between the extended and retracted positions; the frame comprising a tubular frame and the proximal portions of the jaws being pivotally mounted to each other within the tubular frame about a pivot pin mounted within the tubular frame; wherein the actuating mechanism has a cam and the proximal portions of the jaws each have a camming surface, the cam and camming surfaces configured such that upon movement of the cam between a first position and a second position, the jaws will pivot relative to each other between the open position and an intermediate position, respectively; one of said jaws further having a cam stop for engaging the cam when the cam is in the second position such that upon further movement of the cam between the second position and a third position, the jaws retract within the tubular frame; and one of the jaws further comprising a ramp that is engageable with the outer end of the tubular frame upon movement of the jaws between the intermediate and approximated positions, the ramp configured such that the jaws move in a substantially parallel relation between the intermediate position and the approximated position upon movement of the cam between the second position and the third position, respectively.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 451 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, the surgical instrument comprising: a frame having an outer end; a first jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; a second jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the second jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; one of said first and second jaws having a staple cartridge for holding a plurality of staples adapted to be inserted in the tissue; the proximal portions of the first and second jaws mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are closer together for capturing said tissue, the jaws being in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least one of the jaws is located in an extended position away from the outer end of the frame and being in the approximated position when the distal portion of said one jaw is located in a retracted position closer to the outer end of the frame; an actuating mechanism mounted to the frame, the actuating mechanism in operative engagement with the jaws for moving the jaws between the open and approximated positions; both jaws being moveable between the extended and retracted positions; the frame comprising a tubular frame and the proximal portions of the jaws being pivotally mounted to each other within the tubular frame about a pivot pin mounted within the tubular frame; wherein the actuating mechanism has a cam and the proximal portions of the jaws each have a camming surface, the cam and camming surfaces configured such that upon movement of the cam between a first position and a second position, the jaws will pivot relative to each other between the open position and an intermediate position, respectively; one of said jaws further having a cam stop for engaging the cam when the cam is in the second position such that upon further movement of the cam between the second position and a third position, the jaws retract within the tubular frame; and one of the jaws further comprising a ramp that is engageable with the outer end of the tubular frame upon movement of the jaws between the intermediate and approximated positions, the ramp configured such that the jaws move in a substantially parallel relation between the intermediate position and the approximated position upon movement of the cam between the second position and the third position, respectively.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 41 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the cam and camming surfaces are configured such that upon movement of the cam between the first and second positions, the jaws pivot without substantial axial movement between the open and intermediate positions, respectively.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 53 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the cam is axially moveable between the first and second positions and wherein the axial distance traversed by the cam in moving between the first and second positions is greater than the axial distance traversed by the jaws in moving between the open and intermediate positions.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 55 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the tubular member includes a collar mounted to the outer end of the tubular member, the collar having a pair of arms that are diametrically opposed within the tubular frame, each arm having a longitudinally extending slot with the pivot pin mounted for longitudinal movement within the slots.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 45 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the cam includes a traversely extending pin and the camming surface of the second jaw includes a diagonally extending surface of a slot defined by the second jaw, the diagonally extending surface extending proximally toward the first jaw.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 355 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, the surgical instrument comprising: a frame having an outer end; a first jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; a second jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the second jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; one of said first and second jaws having a staple cartridge for holding a plurality of staples adapted to be inserted in the tissue; the proximal portions of the first and second jaws mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are closer together for capturing said tissue, the jaws being in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least one of the jaws is located in an extended position away from the outer end of the frame and being in the approximated position when the distal portion of said one jaw is located in a retracted position closer to the outer end of the frame; an actuating mechanism mounted to the frame, the actuating mechanism in operative engagement with the jaws for moving the jaws between the open and approximated positions; a knife assembly having a knife blade defining a cutting edge, one of said jaws defining a longitudinal slit for receiving the knife assembly such that the cutting edge of the knife blade is permitted to move longitudinally in the slit when the jaws are in the approximated position; and a knife actuating mechanism mounted to the frame for moving the knife assembly between a first position adjacent a proximal end of the longitudinal slit and a second position located distally from the proximal end of the slit and a means for automatically disengaging the knife actuating mechanism from the knife assembly upon movement of the knife actuating mechanism to an unlatched position.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 355 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, the surgical instrument comprising: a frame having an outer end; a first jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; a second jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the second jaw extending from the outer end of the frame; one of said first and second jaws having a staple cartridge for holding a plurality of staples adapted to be inserted in the tissue; the proximal portions of the first and second jaws mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the distal portions of the jaws are closer together for capturing said tissue, the jaws being in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least one of the jaws is located in an extended position away from the outer end of the frame and being in the approximated position when the distal portion of said one jaw is located in a retracted position closer to the outer end of the frame; an actuating mechanism mounted to the frame, the actuating mechanism in operative engagement with the jaws for moving the jaws between the open and approximated positions; a knife assembly having a knife blade defining a cutting edge, one of said jaws defining a longitudinal slit for receiving the knife assembly such that the cutting edge of the knife blade is permitted to move longitudinally in the slit when the jaws are in the approximated position; and a knife actuating mechanism mounted to the frame for moving the knife assembly between a first position adjacent a proximal end of the longitudinal slit and a second position located distally from the proximal end of the slit and a means for automatically disengaging the knife actuating mechanism from the knife assembly upon movement of the knife actuating mechanism to an unlatched position.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 119 words

The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the knife assembly includes a bearing surface and a latch receiver and wherein the knife actuating mechanism includes a bearing surface and a latch, the bearing surface of the knife actuating mechanism being disposed against the bearing surface of the knife assembly for moving the knife assembly from the first position to the second position when the knife actuating assembly is moved distally from a first latched position to a second latched position, said latch being engageable with the latch receiver for moving the knife assembly from its second position to its first position when the knife actuating mechanism is moved proximally from its second latched position to its first latched position.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The surgical instrument of claim 7 wherein the one of said jaws includes a longitudinal cartridge defining said longitudinal slit for slideably receiving the knife assembly.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 251 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, comprising: a tubular frame having an outer end; an actuating mechanism movable inside the tubular frame, the actuating mechanism having a cam; a first jaw having a proximal portion inside the tubular frame and a distal portion outside the tubular frame, the proximal portion defining a camming surface for engaging the cam; a second jaw having a proximal portion inside the tubular frame and a distal portion outside the tubular frame, the second jaw pivotally mounted relative to the first jaw, the proximal portion of the second jaw also defining a camming surface for engaging the cam; the cam and camming surfaces configured such that upon movement of the cam between a first position and a second position, the jaws pivot relative to each other between an open position and an intermediate position, respectively; a cam stop disposed on one of said jaws for engaging the cam when the cam is in the second position such that upon further movement of the cam between the second position and a third position, the jaws move axially in the tubular frame; and one of said jaws further comprising a ramp that engages the outer end of the tubular frame upon axial retraction of the jaws, the ramp configured such that the jaws move in a substantially parallel relation between the intermediate position and an approximated position upon movement of the cam between the second position and the third position, respectively.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 251 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, comprising: a tubular frame having an outer end; an actuating mechanism movable inside the tubular frame, the actuating mechanism having a cam; a first jaw having a proximal portion inside the tubular frame and a distal portion outside the tubular frame, the proximal portion defining a camming surface for engaging the cam; a second jaw having a proximal portion inside the tubular frame and a distal portion outside the tubular frame, the second jaw pivotally mounted relative to the first jaw, the proximal portion of the second jaw also defining a camming surface for engaging the cam; the cam and camming surfaces configured such that upon movement of the cam between a first position and a second position, the jaws pivot relative to each other between an open position and an intermediate position, respectively; a cam stop disposed on one of said jaws for engaging the cam when the cam is in the second position such that upon further movement of the cam between the second position and a third position, the jaws move axially in the tubular frame; and one of said jaws further comprising a ramp that engages the outer end of the tubular frame upon axial retraction of the jaws, the ramp configured such that the jaws move in a substantially parallel relation between the intermediate position and an approximated position upon movement of the cam between the second position and the third position, respectively.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 309 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, comprising: a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw having a tissue contacting surface; a longitudinal cartridge detachably mounted to the second jaw, the longitudinal cartridge having a proximal end, a distal end and a tissue contacting surface; the first jaw and the second jaw connected to one another to permit movement in a substantially parallel relation at least partially during movement between an open position wherein the tissue contacting surfaces are widely separated to receive tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the tissue contacting surfaces are in close proximity to and in opposed alignment with each other; a knife assembly having a bearing surface, a latch receiver and a knife blade defining a cutting edge; said longitudinal cartridge defining a longitudinal slit for slidably receiving said knife assembly such that the cutting edge of the knife blade is permitted to move longitudinally between the tissue contacting surfaces when the jaws are in the approximated position; a knife actuating mechanism including a bearing surface and a latch, the bearing surface of the knife actuating mechanism being disposed against the bearing surface of the knife assembly for moving the knife assembly from a first position adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge to a second position located distally from the proximal end when the knife actuating assembly is moved distally from a first latched position to a second latched position, said latch being engageable with the latch receiver for moving the knife assembly from its second position to its first position when the knife actuating mechanism is moved proximally from its second latched position to its first latched position; and means for disengaging the latch from the latch receptacle when the knife actuating mechanism moves from the first latched position to an unlatched position.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 309 words

A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, comprising: a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw having a tissue contacting surface; a longitudinal cartridge detachably mounted to the second jaw, the longitudinal cartridge having a proximal end, a distal end and a tissue contacting surface; the first jaw and the second jaw connected to one another to permit movement in a substantially parallel relation at least partially during movement between an open position wherein the tissue contacting surfaces are widely separated to receive tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the tissue contacting surfaces are in close proximity to and in opposed alignment with each other; a knife assembly having a bearing surface, a latch receiver and a knife blade defining a cutting edge; said longitudinal cartridge defining a longitudinal slit for slidably receiving said knife assembly such that the cutting edge of the knife blade is permitted to move longitudinally between the tissue contacting surfaces when the jaws are in the approximated position; a knife actuating mechanism including a bearing surface and a latch, the bearing surface of the knife actuating mechanism being disposed against the bearing surface of the knife assembly for moving the knife assembly from a first position adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge to a second position located distally from the proximal end when the knife actuating assembly is moved distally from a first latched position to a second latched position, said latch being engageable with the latch receiver for moving the knife assembly from its second position to its first position when the knife actuating mechanism is moved proximally from its second latched position to its first latched position; and means for disengaging the latch from the latch receptacle when the knife actuating mechanism moves from the first latched position to an unlatched position.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-05-11	2001-11-10	2002-05-12	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-05-11	2005-11-10	2006-05-12	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-05-11	2009-11-10	2010-05-12	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife

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