Abstract: A compensating element having a first and a second assembly, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which can be switched over between a first and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the first assembly is connected fixedly to the second assembly and, in the second operating state, the first and second assemblies are connected to each other via a spring mechanism in such a manner that they are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes an electric motor that can be used to switch over between the first and the second operating state. A locking ring is or is not braced against at least three balls depending on its rotational position with respect to a center axis. The locking ring is connected in terms of rotary drive to the electric motor via a torsion spring which is elastic with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A minimally invasive manipulating system and a manipulating apparatus for instruments are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame and at least one instrument carrier including a holding section for an instrument arm. The instrument carrier is movably mounted to the frame and arranged to be coupled with at least one drive. The instrument carrier is at least sectionally rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The holding section comprises a driving interface that involves at least one transmission port. An instrument drive is assigned to the transmission port. The instrument carrier comprises a transmission section in which at least one transmission element is arranged that is configured for motion transmission between the instrument drive and the transmission port. The at least one transmission element is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The transmission port is arranged off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal direction, wherein a working section on the distal end and an actuating element on the proximal end are operatively connected by a thrust element extending along the longitudinal direction, wherein the working section has a jaw piece with first and second jaw parts, which jaw piece is arranged pivotably on a jaw part holder, which is arranged in the shaft so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction and rotatable about the longitudinal direction and the thrust element is coupled to the jaw piece, wherein the jaw piece, in the closed state, can be retracted into the shaft, and a blocking device is provided in the instrument which is configured to block a retraction of the jaw piece into the shaft in a predefined angle range about the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A minimally invasive manipulating system and a manipulating apparatus for instruments are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame and at least one instrument carrier including a holding section for an instrument arm. The instrument carrier is movably mounted to the frame and arranged to be coupled with at least one drive. The instrument carrier is at least sectionally rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The holding section comprises a driving interface that involves at least one transmission port. An instrument drive is assigned to the transmission port. The instrument carrier comprises a transmission section in which at least one transmission element is arranged that is configured for motion transmission between the instrument drive and the transmission port. The at least one transmission element is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The transmission port is arranged off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal direction, wherein a working section on the distal end and an actuating element on the proximal end are operatively connected by a thrust element extending along the longitudinal direction, wherein the working section has a jaw piece with first and second jaw parts, which jaw piece is arranged pivotably on a jaw part holder, which is arranged in the shaft so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction and rotatable about the longitudinal direction and the thrust element is coupled to the jaw piece, wherein the jaw piece, in the closed state, can be retracted into the shaft, and a blocking device is provided in the instrument which is configured to block a retraction of the jaw piece into the shaft in a predefined angle range about the longitudinal direction.