US7055730B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical fastener applying apparatus
Assignee: Covidien LP
•
Filing: 2001-10-15
•
Granted: 2006-06-06
•
Expires: 2021-10-15
Abstract
Abstract An improved surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section with the cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position. The apparatus includes a replaceable staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out The safety lock-out is pivotable between an initial position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position is permitted and a blocking position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to return them to their fully clamped position after the plurality of staples have been at least partially fired is prevented. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted firing lever for moving a pair of camming surfaces longitudinally. In addition, each of the presently disclosed cartridge and anvil half-sections of the fastener applying apparatus includes a clamping lever, which clamping levers are configured and adapted to enable the applying apparatus to be opened by either one of the cartridge half-section and the anvil half-section.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl H. Ehrenfels
- 👤 David Ivanko
- 👤 Randolph F. Lehn
- 👤 Roberto Pedros
- 👤 Csaba L. Rethy
- 👤 Frank J. Viola
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/068; A61B17/072; A61B17/07207; A61B2017/07214; A61B2017/0725; A61B2017/07271; A61B17/32; A61B2017/320052; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/038; A61B90/08; A61B2090/0801; A61B2090/0814
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A replaceable staple cartridge assembly for use in a surgical fastener applying apparatus having a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section, the cartridge half-section and anvil half-section being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises: a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members; and a safety lock-out, said safety lock-out being pivotable between an initial position permitting a relative movement of said cartridge half-section and anvil half-section to said clamped position and a blocking position preventing a relative movement of said cartridge half-section and anvil half-section from returning to said clamped position after said plurality of staples have been at least partially fired, wherein said safety lock-out is pivotably connected to said replaceable staple cartridge assembly, said safety lock-out includes a transverse horizontal surface formed on an underside thereof which transverse horizontal surface engages a hook formed on an upper edge surface of a knife thereby retaining said safety lock-out in said lock-out position, wherein said knife is slidably mounted within a slotted track formed in said cartridge assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A replaceable staple cartridge assembly for use in a surgical fastener applying apparatus having a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section, the cartridge half-section and anvil half-section being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises: a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members; and a safety lock-out, said safety lock-out being pivotable between an initial position permitting a relative movement of said cartridge half-section and anvil half-section to said clamped position and a blocking position preventing a relative movement of said cartridge half-section and anvil half-section from returning to said clamped position after said plurality of staples have been at least partially fired, wherein said safety lock-out is pivotably connected to said replaceable staple cartridge assembly, said safety lock-out includes a transverse horizontal surface formed on an underside thereof which transverse horizontal surface engages a hook formed on an upper edge surface of a knife thereby retaining said safety lock-out in said lock-out position, wherein said knife is slidably mounted within a slotted track formed in said cartridge assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The replaceable staple cartridge assembly of claim 1 , wherein said safety lock-out moves to said blocking position upon an opening of at least a partially fired cartridge assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The replaceable staple cartridge assembly of claim 1 , wherein said staple cartridge assembly further comprises: finger grips formed along the upper sides and near a proximal end of said cartridge assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The replaceable staple cartridge assembly of claim 1 , wherein said cartridge assembly further comprises: a pair of friction fingers disposed on either side near a proximal end of said cartridge assembly, said friction fingers creating a frictional engagement between said cartridge assembly and an inner surface of said cartridge half-section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The replaceable staple cartridge assembly of claim 1 , wherein distal movement of said knife releases said safety lock-out to enable pivoting of the safety lock-out from the initial position to the blocking position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
214 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: a cartridge half-section; an anvil half-section, said cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position; a replaceable staple cartridge assembly receivable in said cartridge half-section, said cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out, wherein said safety lockout is pivotable between an initial position permitting a relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections to said clamped position and a blocking position preventing relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections from returning to said clamped position after said staples have been at least partially fired, wherein said safety lock-out pivotably connected to said replaceable staple cartridge assembly; a pair of camming surface extensions extending from a cam bar arrangement and positioned within said cartridge half-section; and a pivotably mounted firing lever operatively associated with said pair of camming surface extensions to move said pair of camming surface extensions longitudinally to thereby sequentially fire said plurality of surgical staples in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of said pair of camming surface extensions, wherein the firing lever is pivotable to extend from a selected one of a right and a left side of the apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
214 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: a cartridge half-section; an anvil half-section, said cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position; a replaceable staple cartridge assembly receivable in said cartridge half-section, said cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out, wherein said safety lockout is pivotable between an initial position permitting a relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections to said clamped position and a blocking position preventing relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections from returning to said clamped position after said staples have been at least partially fired, wherein said safety lock-out pivotably connected to said replaceable staple cartridge assembly; a pair of camming surface extensions extending from a cam bar arrangement and positioned within said cartridge half-section; and a pivotably mounted firing lever operatively associated with said pair of camming surface extensions to move said pair of camming surface extensions longitudinally to thereby sequentially fire said plurality of surgical staples in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of said pair of camming surface extensions, wherein the firing lever is pivotable to extend from a selected one of a right and a left side of the apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 6 , which further comprises: a rocker pivotably mounted to said cartridge half-section, said rocker including a downwardly extending blocking surface and being biased toward a locked-out position, wherein said blocking surface extends through an opening in said cam bar arrangement thereby preventing a longitudinal movement of said camming surface extensions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
90 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said anvil half-section includes a downwardly extending leg formed on either side thereof, which downwardly extending legs are configured and adapted to bias against said cartridge half-section wherein a portion of said anvil half-section, proximal to said legs, urges said rocker to rotate due to a camming action between said anvil half-section and said rocker, wherein said blocking surface is removed from said opening in said cam bar arrangement thereby permitting a longitudinal movement of said camming surface extensions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 6 , further including a knife slidably mounted within a slotted track formed in said cartridge assembly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said safety lock-out includes a transverse horizontal surface formed on an underside thereof which engages a hook formed on an upper edge surface of said knife thereby retaining said safety lock-out in said lock-out position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 10 , further including a shipping wedge removably coupled to said cartridge assembly which is configured and adapted to cover staple rows formed in said cartridge assembly and to cover said slotted track.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said shipping wedge further includes a post extending downwardly from the underside of a proximal end, which post is configured and adapted to be received in a complementary shaped opening formed in said cartridge assembly thereby blocking a distal movement of said knife.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said shipping wedge further includes an abutment extending upwardly and proximally from an upper surface of said shipping wedge to thereby cover a distal edge of said knife.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said safety lock-out moves to said blocking position upon an opening of at least a partially fired applying apparatus.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein each of said cartridge and anvil half-sections includes a clamping lever, which clamping levers are configured and adapted for operative movement to enable opening of the applying apparatus on either said cartridge half-section side or said anvil half-section side.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising: a clamp latch configured and adapted to retain said clamp levers in a clamped orientation; and a safety interlock assembly configured and adapted to prevent opening of either of said clamping levers after said firing lever has been moved distally.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
85 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising: a distal clamp lever latch having a proximal ledge; and a proximal interlock latch having a ledge formed thereon and being biased distally toward a latched position with said clamp lever latch, whereby when a firing slide block biases said interlock latch proximally, said ledge of said interlock latch is moved out of lateral alignment with said proximal ledge of said clamp lever latch thereby positioning said interlock latch in an unlatched position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 17 , further includes a latch handle release member having spring biased finger pad portions configured and adapted to urge said clamp lever latch in a proximal direction such that a distal ledge of said clamp lever latch is moved out of lateral alignment with a blocking structure formed on said cartridge and anvil half-sections.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
51 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein said firing slide block is configured and adapted to move distally upon a distal movement of said firing lever thereby moving interlock latch ledge into lateral alignment with clamp lever latch ledge and preventing said clamp lever from being opened.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising: a clamp lever latch mechanism configured and adapted to retain said clamp levers in a clamped orientation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
85 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein said clamp lever latch mechanism comprises: a distal clamp lever latch formed at a proximal end of each of said clamping levers; and a latch handle release member operatively coupled to each of said clamping levers, each of said release members being proximally biased to engage a corresponding one of said lever latches, whereby when said release member is moved distally said release member and said lever latch disengage thereby releasing said clamping lever.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
56 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein each of said release members comprises: a projection extending transversely from a proximal end thereof, said projection being structured and arranged to engage a guard formed at a proximal end of each of said levers, wherein said guard prevents inadvertent movement of said release member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical fastener applier apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said staple cartridge assembly further comprises: finger grips formed along the upper sides and near a proximal end of said cartridge assembly.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
The surgical fastener applier apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said cartridge assembly further comprises: a pair of friction fingers disposed on either side near a proximal end of said cartridge assembly, said friction fingers creating a frictional engagement between said cartridge assembly and an inner surface of said cartridge half-section.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
106 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section, the cartridge half-section and anvil half-section being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position, wherein the cartridge half-section comprises: a cam bar arrangement slidably coupled to said cartridge half-section, wherein said cam bar arrangement includes a pair of camming surface extensions; and a rocker pivotably mounted to said cartridge half-section, said rocker including a downwardly extending blocking surface and being biased toward a lock-out position, wherein said blocking surface engages said cam bar arrangement to prevent a longitudinal movement of said cam bar arrangement and said camming surface extensions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
106 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section, the cartridge half-section and anvil half-section being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position, wherein the cartridge half-section comprises: a cam bar arrangement slidably coupled to said cartridge half-section, wherein said cam bar arrangement includes a pair of camming surface extensions; and a rocker pivotably mounted to said cartridge half-section, said rocker including a downwardly extending blocking surface and being biased toward a lock-out position, wherein said blocking surface engages said cam bar arrangement to prevent a longitudinal movement of said cam bar arrangement and said camming surface extensions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
84 words
The surgical fastener applier apparatus of claim 25 , wherein said anvil half-section includes a downwardly extending leg formed on either side thereof, which downwardly extending legs are configured and adapted to bias against said cartridge half-section, wherein a portion of said anvil half-section, proximal to said leg urges said rocker to rotate due to a camming action between said anvil half-section and said rocker, wherein said blocking surface is said cam bar arrangement thereby permitting a longitudinal movement of said camming surface extensions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
The surgical fastener applier apparatus of claim 25 , wherein said rocker includes a downwardly extending leg formed along at least one side thereof and wherein a spring is disposed between said leg of said rocker and an end wall formed in said cartridge half-section, said spring biasing said rocker to said blocking position.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
87 words
The surgical fastener applier apparatus of claim 25 , wherein said rocker includes a recess formed on at least one side surface thereof, which recess defines a shoulder and a torsional spring having a first and a second leg, wherein said spring is disposed on a post projecting from said recess, said first leg of said spring abuts against said shoulder and said second leg of said spring abuts against an upper surface of said cartridge half-section, said torsional spring biasing said rocker to said blocking position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
144 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: a cartridge half-section; an anvil half-section, said cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position; a replaceable staple cartridge assembly receivable in said cartridge half-section, said cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members; a pair of camming surface extensions extending from a cam bar arrangement and positioned within said cartridge half-section; and a pivotably mounted firing lever operatively associated with said pair of camming surface extensions to move said pair of camming surface extensions longitudinally to thereby sequentially fire said plurality of surgical staples in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of said pair of camming surface extensions, wherein the firing lever is pivotable to extend from a selected one of a right and a left side of the apparatus.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
144 words
A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: a cartridge half-section; an anvil half-section, said cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position; a replaceable staple cartridge assembly receivable in said cartridge half-section, said cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples abutting a plurality of staple pusher members; a pair of camming surface extensions extending from a cam bar arrangement and positioned within said cartridge half-section; and a pivotably mounted firing lever operatively associated with said pair of camming surface extensions to move said pair of camming surface extensions longitudinally to thereby sequentially fire said plurality of surgical staples in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of said pair of camming surface extensions, wherein the firing lever is pivotable to extend from a selected one of a right and a left side of the apparatus.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
87 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein the replaceable staple cartridge assembly includes a pivotably mounted safety lock-out, wherein said safety lockout is pivotable between an initial position permitting a relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections to said clamped position and a blocking position preventing relative movement of said cartridge and anvil half-sections from returning to said clamped position after said staples have been at least partially fired, wherein said safety lock-out is pivotably connected to said replaceable staple cartridge assembly.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
58 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 30 , further comprising: a rocker pivotably mounted to said cartridge half-section, said rocker including a downwardly extending blocking surface and being biased toward a locked-out position, wherein said blocking surface extends through an opening in said cam bar arrangement thereby preventing a longitudinal movement of said camming surface extensions.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
90 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein said anvil half-section includes a downwardly extending leg formed on either side thereof, which downwardly extending legs are configured and adapted to bias against said cartridge half-section wherein a portion of said anvil half-section, proximal to said legs, urges said rocker to rotate due to a camming action between said anvil half-section and said rocker, wherein said blocking surface is removed from said opening in said cam bar arrangement thereby permitting a longitudinal movement of said camming surface extensions.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 29 , further including a knife slidably mounted within a slotted track formed in said cartridge assembly.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
46 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 33 , wherein said safety lock-out includes a transverse horizontal surface formed on an underside thereof which engages a hook formed on an upper edge surface of said knife thereby retaining said safety lock-out in said lock-out position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
41 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 34 , further including a shipping wedge removably coupled to said cartridge assembly which is configured and adapted to cover staple rows formed in said cartridge assembly and to cover said slotted track.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
54 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 35 , wherein said shipping wedge further includes a post extending downwardly from the underside of a proximal end, which post is configured and adapted to be received in a complementary shaped opening formed in said cartridge assembly thereby blocking a distal movement of said knife.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
39 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 36 , wherein said shipping wedge further includes an abutment extending upwardly and proximally from an upper surface of said shipping wedge to thereby cover a distal edge of said knife.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 34 , wherein said safety lock-out moves to said blocking position upon an opening of at least a partially fired applying apparatus.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
50 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein each of said cartridge and anvil half-sections includes a clamping lever, which clamping levers are configured and adapted for operative movement to enable opening of the applying apparatus on either said cartridge half-section side or said anvil half-section side.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
52 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 39 , further comprising: a clamp latch configured and adapted to retain said clamp levers in a clamped orientation; and a safety interlock assembly configured and adapted to prevent opening of either of said clamping levers after said firing lever has been moved distally.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
85 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 39 , further comprising: a distal clamp lever latch having a proximal ledge; and a proximal interlock latch having a ledge formed thereon and being biased distally toward a latched position with said clamp lever latch, whereby when a firing slide block biases said interlock latch proximally, said ledge of said interlock latch is moved out of lateral alignment with said proximal ledge of said clamp lever latch thereby positioning said interlock latch in an unlatched position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 41 , further including a latch handle release member having spring biased finger pad portions configured and adapted to urge said clamp lever latch in a proximal direction such that a distal ledge of said clamp lever latch is moved out of lateral alignment with a blocking structure formed on said cartridge and anvil half-sections.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
51 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 42 , wherein said firing slide block is configured and adapted to move distally upon a distal movement of said firing lever thereby moving interlock latch ledge into lateral alignment with clamp lever latch ledge and preventing said clamp lever from being opened.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 39 , further comprising: a clamp lever latch mechanism configured and adapted to retain said clamp levers in a clamped orientation.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
85 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 44 , wherein said clamp lever latch mechanism comprises: a distal clamp lever latch formed at a proximal end of each of said clamping levers; and a latch handle release member operatively coupled to each of said clamping levers, each of said release members being proximally biased to engage a corresponding one of said lever latches, whereby when said release member is moved distally said release member and said lever latch disengage thereby releasing said clamping lever.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
56 words
The surgical fastener applying apparatus according to claim 45 , wherein each of said release members comprises: a projection extending transversely from a proximal end thereof, said projection being structured and arranged to engage a guard formed at a proximal end of each of said levers, wherein said guard prevents inadvertent movement of said release member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-06-05 | 2009-12-05 | 2010-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-06-05 | 2013-12-05 | 2014-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-06-05 | 2017-12-05 | 2018-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |