Abstract: A miniature articulated tip instrument for surgical and like uses, comprising: a thumb housing with an elongated fixed jaw assembly mounted thereto and extending therefrom. A movable jaw actuator member is slidably mounted in a groove formed in the said fixed jaw assembly, the proximal end of the actuator member being seated in a finger housing which is mounted to and spring biased from the thumb housing. A movable jaw defining at least one arcuate projection extending therefrom for pivotal engagement with the actuator member is additionally provided with a second arcuate projection and a concnetric cutout on its opposite side from the second arcuate projection to engage the fixed jaw member and provide a pivot point. The actuator member drives the movable jaw member in a pivoting motion within a throughgoing slot formed in the fixed jaw member within a range of movement with respect to the fixed jaw assembly between extended and retracted positions for effecting selective user controlled working movement.

Abstract: A miniature articulating tip for an endoscopic instrument comprising a jaw with a curved slot through which two pivot lugs pass and are anchored in or integral to a fixed outer tip. The two pivot lugs guide the jaw over a path defined by the curved slot and provide stops at the ends of the curve.

Abstract: A rotatable linkage for use in handling small objects at a distance, for example, in endoscopic surgery, by converting the longitudinal motion of a drive member to the opening and closing of jaws at the distal end of the drive member wherein the drive member is enclosed in an elongated housing on which the jaws are mounted which may be rotated relative to the drive member on a bearing by rotation of the housing.

Abstract: A detachable and replaceable end effector assembly. The detachable mechanism is made of standard end effectors attached to an actuating tip and pinned inside a yoke assembly. Replacement is made by pulling back a spring loaded radial lock 90, to disengage two rear tabs 51 on the outer tip 50. The yoke assembly is then rotated 90 degrees to disengage the rear yoke pin 9 from the tubular shaft 70. This rotation of 90 degrees also unlocks the T-bar 45 from the front "T" slot of the long actuator 80. The end effector or jaw assembly is then free to be pulled away from the remainder of the shaft. In addition there is a bayonet connection to hold the parts together and prevent accidental disconnection.

Abstract: A articulating tip structure with a pivot lug and a rotatable jaw with a pivot seat which wraps around the lug in normal operation and provides a gap for disengagement of the lug to allow disassembly and assembly.

Abstract: A handle for endoscopic surgical instruments with an elongated thumb loop optimized for providing support and driving force in endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a steerable distal end, having a handle for actuating the instrument, a distal operating section for performing a medical procedure, a middle section connecting the handle with the operating section, at least a portion of the middle section being bendable, and steerable means within the bendable portion for permitting the operating section to be controlled in direction at an angle with respect to the axis of the middle section. There are means for rotating the distal operating section into any desired angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A control member control the direction of movement of the bendable section in three dimensions whereby the distal end may be positioned in any place on or off of the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A protective sheath may be disposed over the bendable section.

Abstract: A handle-activated retrograde endoscopic instrument with an extension shaft rotatably connected to a fixed handle, the rotation limited by a spring-loaded lock into shaft detents corresponding to rotational position options, and with an extension of an outer tip and reduction of open range of effector movement to shield any pinch area.

Abstract: A handle and drive mechanism for providing a reciprocating rotary action of a driveshaft, first in one rotational direction and then reversing the rotational direction, suitable for suturing and other endoscopic operations.

Abstract: A cutting-suctioning tool for micro-surgery including closing jaws, that in closed position, provide a suctioning/fluid channel axially through the jaws for removal of tissue and fluids.

Abstract: Wash package for surgical tools such as pistol grip graspers, cutters and the like with a tubular shaft, comprising a mating first section (10) and pivotably mounted second section (2), matable to form a wash enclosure around the pistol grip, and a pivotably mounted lock (30) and fluid admittance and removal conduits (51, 52), constructed for fluid pressurizing and exit through the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical tool (10, FIG. 1 ) with a single moveable inner tip (22), and a fixed outer tip (12) pivotably interacting via an integral essentially-hourglass-form pivot extension of both walls of the outer tip and an engaging channel (24) of the inner tip(s), articulated by a link with an integral stud and also realizable as with dual moveable inner tips (22A, 22B/FIG. 6 ), pivotably interacting with respective end-to-end adjacent essentially-hourglass-form sections of a pivot that is an integral extension of the outer tip.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical tool (10) with an inner tip (22) and outer tip (12) pivotably interacting via an integral pivot (20) extension of the outer tip and an engaging groove (24) of the inner tip, articulated by a link (26) with an integral stud (30).

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument with opposing jaws rotatable relative to one another using a pivot integral to a frame comprising one jaw for rotating the other jaw and a linkage to push one jaw rotatably towards the other jaw wherein a distal-most surface of that jaw pushes against a surface of jaw to be moved.