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Publication Number
US-9897251-B2
Publication Date
2018-02-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A universal arm has a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle portion therebetween. The middle portion has a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces. A plurality of clamps is selectively fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection that permits the selective rotation of each one of the plurality of clamps by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a universal arm assembly for surgical instrument positioning that includes a universal arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle portion therebetween. The middle portion includes a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces, and a cable extends through each of the plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces to enable controlled positional movement of portions of the assembly while the ball and socket pieces support the cable’s path.
At least one clamp is fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection joint. The connection joint permits selective rotation of the at least one clamp by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.
A handle mechanism includes at least one shaft connected to a linkage rod, where the linkage rod is connected to an end of the cable. The at least one shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to a length of the end of the cable, and the position of at least the end of the cable is movable relative to the at least one shaft based on rotational movement of the at least one shaft. The handle mechanism also includes a slotted rod with the at least one shaft inserted through a slot, and bearings including a first bearing engaged with an exterior threaded portion of the at least one shaft and a second bearing engaged with an exterior of the slotted rod, wherein the linkage rod is physically coupled with the first bearing and the second bearing.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. Both independent claims share the universal arm with interconnected ball and socket pieces and a cable extending through them, together with a handle mechanism that uses shaft rotation to move a cable end. Each independent claim also includes a clamp-to-distal-end connection joint allowing selective 360° rotation, and both further define a handle mechanism using a slotted rod and bearings coupled through a linkage rod.
Interconnected ball and socket pieces with cable
A universal arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle portion therebetween, wherein the middle portion has a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces and a cable extends through each of the plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces.
Connection joint permitting 360° clamp rotation
At least one clamp fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection joint, wherein the connection joint permits selective rotation of the at least one clamp by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.
Handle mechanism moving cable end via shaft rotation
A handle mechanism comprising at least one shaft connected to a linkage rod, the linkage rod connected to an end of the cable, wherein the at least one shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to a length of the end of the cable, wherein a position of at least the end of the cable is movable relative to the at least one shaft based on a rotational movement of the at least one shaft.
Slotted rod and bearings coupled by linkage rod
A slotted rod wherein the at least one shaft is inserted through a slot of the slotted rod, a first bearing engaged with an exterior threaded portion of the at least one shaft, a second bearing engaged with an exterior of the slotted rod, wherein the slotted rod is inserted through the second bearing, and wherein the linkage rod is physically coupled with the first bearing and the second bearing.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage combines a cable-guiding universal arm made of interconnected ball and socket pieces, a clamp mounted at the distal end through a connection joint that permits selective 360° rotation, and a handle mechanism in which shaft rotation drives a linkage rod coupled to bearings and a slotted rod to move the cable end relative to the shaft.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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