US 12,064,131 B2
Drive and articulation mechanisms for surgical instruments for use in robotic surgical systems
Zachary S. Heiliger, Nederland, CO (US)
Assigned to Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on May 3, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/735,149.
Application 17/735,149 is a continuation of application No. 16/749,000, filed on Jan. 22, 2020, granted, now 11,331,113.
Prior Publication US 2022/0257273 A1, Aug. 18, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 17/29 (2006.01); A61B 34/00 (2016.01); A61B 17/32 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/08 (2006.01); A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 18/18 (2006.01); A61B 34/35 (2016.01)
CPC A61B 17/29 (2013.01) [A61B 34/71 (2016.02); A61B 2017/2936 (2013.01); A61B 2017/320094 (2017.08); A61B 2018/00077 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 18/085 (2013.01); A61B 18/1445 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1455 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1807 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1861 (2013.01); A61B 34/35 (2016.02)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector including a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first jaw member movable relative to the second jaw member between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissue therebetween; and
a jaw drive sub-assembly configured to transition the end effector between the open position and the closed position, the jaw drive sub-assembly including:
a drive rod operably coupled to the first jaw member; and
a spring force assembly releasably coupled to the drive rod, the spring force assembly including:
a proximal hub defining an elongate hub stem;
a compression spring disposed around the elongate hub stem;
a distal hub disposed around a distal portion of the compression spring and movable relative to the proximal hub; and
a lock plate slidingly coupled to the proximal hub and configured to releasably lock the drive rod to the proximal hub.