Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate tubular member, an end effector at the distal end of the tubular member, a linkage rod slidably disposed within the tubular member, a distal connector fixed to the proximal end of the tubular member, a proximal connector fixed to the proximal end of the linkage rod, at least one resiliently flexible actuating member, and a lever pivotally to the proximal connector. The lever generally overlies and contacts the actuator member. Pivoting of the lever toward the flexible actuator member causes the linkage rod to move a movable jaw of the end effector. The surgical instrument has a relatively larger actuator surface for easier manipulation, and better balance. The actuator member also has a point of maximum leverage closer to the distal end, than other surgical instruments of the same general type.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes laterally opposing members, an end effector having opposing jaws movable with respect to each other, a resilient member operably biasing the laterally opposing members away from each other, and an improved ratchet locking device. The ratchet locking device includes a first toothed plate mounted on one of the laterally opposing members, and a second toothed plate pivotally mounted on the other laterally opposing member. The second toothed member is pivotable between a first position in which the plates are engaged and a second position in which the plates are disengaged. A spring member is used for biasing the plates into engagement. A release member is provided for retaining the toothed plates in a disengaged position. The release member is mounted on one of the laterally opposing members and includes a cam surface engagable with a follower on one of the toothed plates.

Abstract: A locking mechanism useful in various microsurgical, laproscopic and endoscopic surgical instruments includes a lock body which is linearly movable between a locked and an unlocked position, and a plate having a slot through which a linkage rod or the like passes. The slot includes a larger diameter portion through which a linkage rod or the like can freely pass when the lock body is in the unlocked position, and a relatively narrow section which restricts or prevents movement of the rod in one direction when the lock body is in the locked position. The slotted plate is free to pivot between an angle wherein the linkage rod is engaged by the edges of the narrow portion of the slot and thus wedged against movement, and a second angle wherein the rod is not engaged by the edges of the narrow portion of the slot, wherein by linkage rod can be moved through the lock body in one direction, but not in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A modular surgical instrument includes a handle, an end effector, and an elongate tubular sleeve extending between and opposing the end effector and the handle, a reciprocating actuator rod disposed within the sleeve, the end effector being operably connected to a distal end of the actuator rod and having opposed members, at least one of which is movable with respect to another upon sliding movement of the actuator rod within the sleeve, and a handle including a pair of opposing actuating members, the handle having a first end connected to a proximal end of the tubular sleeve, and a second end releasably snap connected to a proximal end of the actuator rod. Compression of the actuating members toward each other causes the actuator rod to move at least one of the opposing members of the end effector with respect to the other.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for clamping, shearing, cutting or a variety of other tasks where the instrument is comprised of an elongated tube having a moveable jaw and a fixed jaw at a distal end and a pair of opposed, cooperating actuating handles at a proximal end for operating the moveable jaw by way of a pull and push rod. The moveable jaw is normally in the open position. Because at least one of the actuating handles is resiliently flexible and the actuating handles are normally bowed outward, squeezing them together produces relative proximal displacement of the pull and push rod. This proximal movement of the rod causes the moveable jaw to move proximally and to pivot about its connection to the fixed jaw resulting in the closure of the two jaws together Preferably, the surgical instrument has a removable end piece fitted in the proximal end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A thermal oxidatively stable polycarbonate composition stabilized with a minor amount of an ester of a phosphorodihalidous acid and to a process for preparing a thermal oxidatively stable polymer. In the process, the ester of a phosphorodihalidous acid is reacted with the bisphenol-A monomer.

Abstract: A thermally stable translucent polycarbonate composition comprising in admixture an aromatic carbonate polymer and a minor amount of a mixture of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) gum and divided silica.

Abstract: A flame retardant polycarbonate composition comprising in admixture an aromatic carbonate polymer and a flame retardant additive which may be the metal salts of either monomeric or polymeric aromatic sulfonic acids, or mixtures thereof.