Abstract: A hand tool articulating apparatus has a pair of elongate members coupled for articulation about a pivot axis. Each elongate member has a clamping jaw on one side of the pivot axis and an arm extending to a handle on the other side of the pivot axis. One of the arms extends from the pivot axis along a first axis over a first distance to a first loop extending outwardly from the first axis and away from the other of the arms. The other of the arms has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along a second axis from the pivot axis a shorter distance than the one arm. The second portion extends inclined to the second axis along a third axis away from the one arm to a second loop. The second loop extends outwardly from the third axis away from the pivot axis.

Abstract: A surgical grasping device is disclosed. The surgical grasping device may comprise a clevis; a first jaw member pivotably coupled to the clevis; a second jaw member pivotably coupled to the clevis; and an actuating mechanism coupled to the clevis, the first jaw member and the second jaw member and a translating member coupled to and extending proximally from the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism may be configured to cause the first jaw member and the second jaw member to close in response to a first proximally directed force received via the translating member. The actuating mechanism may also be configured to cause the first jaw member and the second jaw member to open in response to a subsequent proximally directed force received via the translating member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a forceps may include at least two arms, at least one finger grip, and a hinge. Finger grips may be positioned on an arm. A hinge may couple two or more arms together In an embodiment, a hinge may allow 60 degrees of separation between coupled arms. A hinge may allow uninhibited movement of one arm relative to the other arm.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. At least one jaw member of the end effector is configured to move relative to an opposing jaw member between open and closed configurations, and a force transfer member is configured for longitudinal motion with respect to the fixed bearing member. The end effector also includes a reactive member that has a pivot boss about which the at least one jaw member rotates, and is coupled between the fixed bearing member and the at least one jaw member. The force transfer member applies a longitudinal force to the at least one jaw member at some lateral distance from the pivot boss to urge the at least one jaw member to move between the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: An orthopaedic ratcheting forceps, especially for fixation of fractures, comprises two handles, wherein a first catching element is mounted pivotally with one handle and wherein a complementary catching element is mounted in the other handle. The forceps can assume only two stable settings which can be switched with a single hand, one closed setting within which the jaws of the forceps can only be further closed and an open setting within which the handles of the forceps are freely movable so that the forceps can be opened as well as closed. In one handle a leaf spring is provided and biased between two mounting points which spring is mounted between abutting side walls within said handle. Furthermore a lever end connected with one of the catching elements engages the spring and through movement of the activation element the lever end and/or the spring is switchable between the closed setting and the open setting.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.

Abstract: A crimp tube crimping system including a crimping tool having: a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a first handle and the distal end comprising a first jaw, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a second handle and the distal end comprising a second jaw, the second arm hingedly connected to the first arm, a first straight, flat crimping member integral with the first jaw of the first arm, the first crimping member having a first inner surface width, and a second straight, flat crimping member integral with the second jaw of the second arm, the second crimping member having a second inner surface width, the first and second straight, flat crimping members defining a gap therebetween when the first and second handles close and the crimping tool is in a fully closed position about the crimp tube, the first and second inner surface widths limiting further deformation of the crimp tube, the flat crimping members preventing cutti

Abstract: An insertion instrument for a multi-part intervertebral endoprosthesis includes two closure plates and a sliding core arranged between these, said insertion instrument having a handgrip part, gripping members which hold the closure plates between them, and a force-receiving part for applying an insertion force to the intervertebral endoprosthesis, the gripping members being guided movably toward and away from one another via a hinge and being able to be tensioned against the intervertebral endoprosthesis, projections pointing in the tensioning direction or recesses for holding the intevertebral endoprosthesis with form-fit being provided on the gripping members, and a block guided in the longitudinal axis direction and with an abutment surface being provided which can be moved by means of an actuating device so as to bear on the intervertebral endoprosthesis and, in its forward position, secures the intevertebral endoprosthesis against the projections or recesses.

Abstract: A surgical punch including an upper jaw and lower jaw that are coupled at their proximal ends. The jaws have cutting edges at their distal end configured to cut in a direction from the distal ends of the jaws towards the proximal ends of the jaws. The center of rotation of the cutting trajectory can be located above the initial cutting point of the lower jaw. The upper jaw can include a reversed slope leading edge. The jaws can be slidably coupled to each other. The coupling member can include a pin and slot to couple the movable jaw to an actuating rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forcep-like surgical element comprising lip profiles, which are provided at one end, can be guided in relation to one another, and which delimit a clamping mouth or form a pair of scissors. According to the invention, two handle elements, which can be moved in relation to one another, are provided as an actuating unit. Each handle element is joined to at least one of the lip profiles via a cord element. The handle elements or handle parts are scissor handles, which can pivot relative to one another and each have a holding eye or similar implements that define an angle with the surface of their cord element, said surface delimiting the clamping mouth. This angle is formed in a variable manner on each of the scissor handles for moving the lip profiles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical instrument comprising an elongate tube extending along an axis including a camming rod and an actuation mechanism operably connected to the camming rod, the camming rod having a camming pin and a camming projection; a first jaw spine having a first cam slot, a first interior camming surface, and a first exterior camming surface; and a second jaw spine having a second cam slot, a second interior camming surface, and a second exterior camming surface, the second jaw spine pivotally connected to the first jaw spine at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the jaw spines in response to movement of the actuation mechanism. The camming pin rides along the first and second interior camming surfaces and operates to close the jaw spines when the camming rod is moved proximally.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic instruments. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to features on the clevis portion of endoscopic instruments. The clevises may be formed from a sheet material to obtain a substantially cylindrical end and at least one clevis arm. The clevis features may include an axle having at least one flared end to engage a clevis arm, one or more U-shaped grooves on the clevis arms to receive an axle, and stiffening ribs to strengthen the clevis arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft (2) and, positioned on its proximal end, a handle (3) consisting of at least two gripping members (3a, 3b) and, on its distal end, a tool consisting of at least two jaw members (5a, 5b). The instrument's jaw members (5a, 5b) are stationed at a lateral angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (2) so that at least one jaw member (5a) of the tool (5) can be moved for opening and closing by means of a gripping member (3b) of the handle (3) that can be rotated with respect to the at least one other jaw member (5b) of the tool (5) and the at least one movable jaw member (5a) and the corresponding gripping member (3b) of the handle (3) serving to move the jaw member (5a) are connected to one another by a compression-tension element (8) positioned in the hollow shaft (2).

Abstract: Surgical clamping instruments include a distal portion having distal tips configured to be driven to provide clamping force to multiple tissue pieces; a proximal portion including a compression actuator configured for operation by a user to drive the distal tips to apply compression force to the tissue pieces, and a shear actuator configured for operation by the user to drive the distal tips to apply shear force to the tissue pieces; and an intermediate portion interconnecting the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical gripping and/or retaining instrument, in particular a needle holder, with a handle consisting of at least two handgrips and a retaining part that consists of at least two jaw members and can be activated by the handle. To create a gripping and/or retaining instrument which ensures that at least one part of a jaw member of the retaining part is mounted so that it can rotate with respect to at least another jaw member working with this jaw member around the longitudinal axis of the jaw member and/or can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the jaw member.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.

Abstract: An aorta cross clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws and a removable actuator having movable handles. Initially, the actuator is connected to the clamp with the jaws in an open position. When the actuator handles are closed, the jaws also will be closed. The clamp is provided with a toothed retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The actuator can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. When it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer. The actuator then can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed. The clamp and the actuator are provided in two forms. In one form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement toward and away from the jaws (“horizontal” movement). In the other form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement generally perpendicular to the jaws (“vertical” movement).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical instrument having a locking device which locks the instrument in a closed position while bearing a load. The surgical instrument, which may function as forceps, or a tanaculum, is constructed of a disposable material in order to provide a single use medical instrument. By constructing the invention of a disposable material, the unique shape of the disclosed embodiment allows movement of the arms in order to allow tip penetration along the path of least resistance while also minimizing tissue damage and bleeding. The locking device described may further be used on other instruments.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for holding fish, said device comprising first and second handles attached to first and second arms. The first and second arms are connected in scissor-like fashion. The first and second arms are connected to first and second contact plates. The first and second contact plates pinch the inside and outside of a fish's mouth when the device is in the closed position, thereby allowing a fish to lifted out of the water or off the ground. The present invention may also comprise first and second tongs attached to first and second arms. In this embodiment, the first and second tongs are shaped substantially like semi-ovals and are attached to the first and second contact plates.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a surgical devices and methods to measure vertebral members for a vertebral plate. The device may include a handle with a first arm and a second arm. A trial plate may be attached to the handle. The trial plate may include a first trial plate section operatively connected to the first arm and a second trial plate section operatively connected to the second arm. Each of the first and second trial plate sections may include a distal side to contact against an outer side of the vertebral members. A scale may be operatively connected to the first and second trial plate sections and may include measurement indicia. The first and second arms may be movable to adjust a distance between the first and second sections and expose the measurement indicia to determine a size of the vertebral plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for reducing a rod disposed within or adjacent to a rod-receiving head of a spinal implant. In general, a rod reduction device is provided that can removably mate to the rod-receiving head of a spinal implant and be effective to reduce a rod disposed within or adjacent to the rod-receiving head. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod reduction device can include a clamping member that is adapted to removably mate to a rod-receiving head of a spinal implant and a rod-reducing arm that is rotatably matable to the clamping member. The rod-reducing arm can be configured such that rotation of the arm with respect to the clamping member is effective to reduce a rod into the rod-receiving head of the spinal implant that is mated to the clamping member.

Abstract: Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements.

Abstract: A medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular a surgical needle holder, including an elongated shaft, two jaw parts arranged at a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable with respect to the other of the jaw parts between a grasp state for grasping the object between the jaw parts and a release state for releasing the object. A handle is arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and has at least one operating element for moving the at least one pivotable jaw part between the grasp state and the release state via an axially movable force transmission element operatively connected with the at least one operating element and with the at least one pivotable jaw part via an articulated joint. The instrument further includes a latching mechanism for immobilizing the at least one pivotable jaw part in the grasp state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes: grip handles (2, 3) which are articulated to each other around a fulcrum pin (4) so that the jaws can be moved from an open position to a closed position; and connecting elements (5) which can be used to: (i) lock the handles (2, 3) in a determined, constant position when a first force is exerted on the handles; and (ii) unlock the handles (2, 3) when a second force is exerted on same.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of an insertion/extraction device and a preparatory instrument or a prosthetic part used in orthopeadic surgery operations. The free end of the said preparatory instrument or that prosthetic part has, formed therein, a first recess able to be engaged in a complementary manner with the end of a modular neck, and a second recess having an axis substantially intersecting the axis of the first recess. The device is provided with a handle having its axis parallel to that of the second recess and having a first terminal portion shaped so as to engage in a complementary manner with the recess, and a second terminal portion adjacent to the first recess and connected to means which are fixed onto the handle and which, when they are operated, perform the coaxial insertion of the portion into the second recess.

Abstract: A two-part medical instrument is proposed, comprising a first part having a peg and a second part having a peg receiver, wherein first part and second part are connected to one another by a peg/peg receiver connection and the first part is made of a plastics material, wherein the peg has a peripheral edge bead.

Abstract: Surgical instrument which has a main part (10) with a shaft (12) and a fixed handle part (14), on which a moveable handle part (20) is supported pivotably. The pivotable handle part (20) engages through a slit (18) of the main part (10) and is linked to a slider (16). The slider (16) is guided axially shifted on the shaft (12) so that it cannot be removed. At the proximal end of the work stroke the slider (16) can be removed from the guide and shaft. Spring tongue (50) arranged on the pivotable handle part (20) comes against the main part (10) when the handle parts (14, 20) are spread apart and prevents the slider (16) from entering the cleaning position in which it is released from the shaft (12). The spring tongue (50) can be pressed against the moveable handle part (20) in order to enter the slit (18) of the main part and to release the locking.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle disposed from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the tool, a proximal motion member for coupling the proximal end of the instrument shaft to the handle, actuation means extending between the distal and proximal motion members for coupling motion of the proximal motion member to the distal motion member for controlling the positioning of the tool and a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the tool at a selected position and having locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: A bending forceps 1 has at least three degrees of freedom including relative opening/closing of a pair of gripping members 11a, 11b, rotation of both the gripping members around a first axis 15 and rotation of both the gripping members around a second axis 42 existing on an imaginary plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis 15. A drive power from an actuator is converted to each motion of the opening/closing of the gripping members, rotation thereof around the first axis and rotation thereof around the second axis by first to third link mechanisms 5, 6 and 7. The present invention enables the durability and control accuracy to be raised by employing a link mechanism as a drive power transmitting means. Further, the present invention facilitates sterilization, cleaning and attachment/detachment to/from a driving means.

Abstract: Dental pliers with two pliers parts, each respectively comprising one jaw of a pliers mouth and one lever arm of a pliers grip, the pliers parts pivotably connected with each other via a linkage. The linkage includes a cylindrical journal (26) on the first pliers part (12) coaxial to the pivot axis, which engages in a cylindrical bore (32) on the other pliers part (10) coaxial to the pivot axis having the same diameter, and is rotatable in this bore (32) about the pivot axis. The journal (26) and the bore (32) are axially located form-fittingly via at least one circumferential tab (28) and one circumferential groove (34). The at least one circumferential tab (28) extends only over a partial angular area of the circumference. At least one entry segment (36) corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential tab (28) leads axially to the circumferential groove (34).

Abstract: The mechanism is applicable to a surgical tool which has a jaw (57) pivotably mounted to a distal end of a longitudinally extending support (58). The jaw is operated by action on a rearwardly facing cam follower (52, 53) by a lobe (51) on the distal end of an actuating tube (50). Rotation of the actuating tube (50) causes pivoting of the jaw (57) into and out of operative relationship with another jaw member (21) of the tool. The mechanism may be applied to any manipulative or gripping type of surgical implement, but is particularly applicable to ultrasonic tools adapted for cutting and/or coagulating.

Abstract: This invention reduces the amount by which members protrude to the outside of a forceps for endoscope that can perform an oscillating operation, and reduces the amount of contact between an organism and parts other than the surgical instruments, thereby maintaining the visual field of the endoscope. The forceps for endoscope comprises an insertion section that is inserted inside a body cavity, an openable and closable forceps section provided at the tip of the insertion section, and a operation section for controlling the forceps section. The forceps section comprises a first forceps member, and a second forceps member, which faces the first forceps member and can rotate with a first pivotal supporting member as a fulcrum; the second pivotal supporting member supports the first forceps member from vertically above it so that it can rotated freely around an oscillating operation axis member, and is provided between the oscillating operation axis member and an opening-closing operation axis member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a male portion and a female portion. The male portion is opposably coupled to the female portion. Both the male portion and the female portion include a working end, a handle end, and a box hinge portion between the handle end and the working end. Both the male portion and the female portion include a first ramp between the box hinge portion and the working end. Also, both the male portion and the female portion include a second ramp between the box hinge portion and the handle end. An opening is formed by the male and female portions near the working end when the surgical instrument is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for holding a trocar sleeve in its position of engagement in the body of a patient has clamping jaws which in the closed position define an opening and which can be placed about the outside of the trocar sleeve, and at least one hole via which the device can be fixed on the patient. The device is designed as a forceps with two forceps arms which at their area of intersection are connected to one another via a hinge and which at their distal ends in each case have at least one clamping jaw, a spring being arranged between the forceps arms, which spring is supported on the forceps arms via its long ends and forces the clamping jaws into the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mucosal biopsy including a stationary base clevis component, upon which an open frame jaw is actuated rotationally to engage tissue and retract samples. A rack and pinion mechanism drives the jaw motion, which can be controlled axially by the physician. A metal retriever component captures tissue from the open frame jaw, and advances the samples proximally into the collection chamber, where they are maintained as the retriever is returned to its most distal position. Furthermore, the open frame design employs a reliable and compact means for actuation that can be decoupled from sample transfer and storage functions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an instrument handle which is linked to a proximal end portion of a tube shaft and at the distal end portion of which an instrument head rotatably supporting an effector is linked so as to be inclinable. The effector includes at least one pivotable engaging element which is operable via an effector operating gear train in cooperation with the instrument handle. The effector operating gear train, in turn, has a pushing rod which is shiftably supported in the tube shaft and which, in the linking area of the instrument head at the tube shaft, abuts a pushing pin shiftably supported in the instrument head, the pushing pin being operatively connected to the engaging element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a tube shaft at the proximal end of which an instrument head for rotatably supporting an effector is pivotably supported and at the distal end of which an instrument handle is arranged which causes a pivot as well as a bending movement of the instrument head via a bending gear train and a rotation of the effector via a rotation gear train. In the rotation gear train, a motion compensating member is integrated and also is operated via the instrument handle when the bending gear train is operated, and drives the rotation gear train such that an operation of the rotation gear train caused by the pivoting movement of the instrument head, or parts thereof, is compensated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaws without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: A medical forceps is provided with a tubular outer shank, on whose distal end there is formed a forceps jaw with two jaw parts. The two jaw parts are each rotatably mounted on the outer shank at two sides opposite one another. A tubular inner shank for actuating the jaw parts is displaceably arranged in the inside of the outer shank in its longitudinal direction. The inner shank is coupled to the two jaw parts for their actuation via two lever systems. Each of the lever systems is linked to the two jaw parts, one lever system on each of the two opposite sides.

Abstract: A surgical forceps has blades of arcuate shape and handles which are urged apart by springs on a guide blade which mounts the blades by a pivot joint. The guide blade projects below the blades. Gripping means formed by bifurcated arms on the guide blade will, when moved apart, grip an intercostal drain tube between grippers. The forceps carrying an intercostal drain tube, can be inserted between a patients ribs and the handles are then moved towards each other to splay the blades apart to provide a channel for the insertion of a tube. The guide blade may also be mounted between the blades.

Abstract: A manipulator for medical use having a reduced size and improved controllability. The manipulator includes a surgical tool portion, a grip portion provided on the surgical tool portion, and a driver portion for driving the grip portion provided on the surgical tool portion. A connection portion of the surgical tool is provided between the surgical tool portion and the driver portion. The surgical tool can be separated from, and connected to, the driver portion. The surgical tool portion has two rotating members disposed in opposing relation to each other. A driving arrangement is provided for driving one of the rotating members and causing it to revolute the other rotating member, but not rotate by itself. An arrangement is also provided for keeping a distance between rotation centers of the two rotating members constant.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical operation device comprises clips serving as a plurality of surgical operation tools, a plurality of manipulating wires interlocked with the plurality of clips, the manipulating wires being capable of independently manipulating the plurality of clips respectively, a manipulating section capable of manipulating the plurality of manipulating wires, and a switch lever capable of being selectively engaged with the plurality of manipulating wires. In this device, the manipulating section is manipulated, thereby making it possible to manipulate only the clip interlocked with the manipulating wire engaged with the switch lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with a shaft having on its proximal end a handle consisting of two gripping members and on its distal end a tool consisting of two jaw members that can rotate with respect to one another around a common rotation point, whereby the jaw members are rotated for opening and closing the tool by means of a push pin which is connected on the proximal end with a gripping member of the handle which is configured to be rotatable and which on the distal end is connected with each of the jaw members by means of one toggle joint.

Abstract: A dual-use medical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the instrument has a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle through a mortise and tenon joint to define opposing jaws at the distal end of the surgical instrument, each of the opposing jaws including a distal gripping portion, at least one longitudinally disposed cutting edge situated between the distal gripping portion and said mortise and tenon joint, wherein at least one longitudinal cutting edge is adjacent to said mortise and tenon joint. The instrument can function as a combination needle holder and surgical scissors.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaw without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) having a tool (12) with a tip (56) capable of being rapidly adjusted and fixed in a variety of orientations relative to an instrument body (14). The instrument comprises opposing jaws (16, 22) having concave surfaces (18, 24). One jaw (16) is attached to one end of the instrument body, while the other jaw (22) is attached to the end of a lever arm (20). The lever arm is pivotally attached to the instrument body and is pivotal between a first (closed) position (P1), a second (intermediate) position (P2) and a third (open) position (P3). The lever arm includes a latch (26) having first and second catches (34, 36) that each releasably engage a rim (42) of an aperture (40) in the instrument body so as to retain the lever arm in the first (closed) position and the second (intermediate) position, respectively.

Abstract: Surgical robots and other telepresence systems have enhanced grip actuation for manipulating tissues and objects with small sizes. A master/slave system is used in which an error signal or gain is artificially altered when grip members are near a closed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, includes an elongate housing having two housing parts. Disposed between the housing parts is a support arm having one axial end connected to the housing parts. A functional unit is secured to the other axial end of the support arm and includes a rod and an operating member acted upon by the rod, when the housing parts are squeezed together. A force-transmitting unit having an adjusting member is operatively connected to the rod, for translating a movement of the housing parts in a direction substantially transverse to the support arm, as the housing parts are squeezed together, into a linear axial movement of the adjusting member, to thereby actuate the operating member.