Surgical instrument handle articulation assembly

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus for a surgical handle assembly. An exemplary apparatus includes a reloadable cartridge assembly and a surgical handle assembly, the surgical handle assembly including a knuckle joint assembly configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in a first operating position, the knuckle joint assembly including: a knob in a first position; a lock core coupled to the knob; a housing; a first roller and a second roller; and a first spring, wherein the first roller is positioned on a first end of the first spring and the second roller is positioned on a second end of the first spring, and wherein the first spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a surgical handle assembly, and more particularly to a knuckle joint assembly for a surgical handle assembly. Background Art

[0002] Surgical handle assemblies can be used in several surgical devices. One example includes use as a surgical stapler. A surgical stapler is a fastening device for clamping tissue between opposing jaw structures to join the tissue using a surgical fastener. A surgical stapler can include two elongate members for clamping tissue. One of the elongate members can include one or more reloadable cartridges, and the other elongate member can include an anvil that can be used to form staples when driven from the reloadable cartridge. A surgical stapler can receive one or more reloadable cartridges. Examples of reloadable cartridges can include rows of staples having a linear length. For example, a row of staples can have a linear length between 30 mm and 60 mm. The staples can be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member that is part of the surgical handle assembly of the surgical stapler. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus including a surgical handle assembly and a reloadable cartridge assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a schematic view of a knuckle joint assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] Figure 3A is a schematic view of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob, a cam, and a sliding link in a 0-degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 3B is a schematic view of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob, a cam, and a sliding link in a 90-degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 3C is a schematic view of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob, a cam, and a sliding link in a -90-degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 4A is a schematic view of an apparatus in a 0-degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus including a surgical handle assembly device and a reloadable cartridge assembly, the surgical handle assembly device including a knuckle joint assembly.

[0009] Figure 4B Schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgical handle assembly device and a reloadable cartridge assembly in a 45-degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention, the surgical handle assembly device including a knuckle joint assembly.

[0010] Figure 4C Schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgical handle assembly device and a reloadable cartridge assembly in a -45-degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention, the surgical handle assembly device including a knuckle joint assembly.

[0011] Figure 5 Exploded view of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob, a lock core, a top housing, and a cam in a 0-degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6 Perspective view of a knob according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7A Perspective view of a lock core according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7B Top view of a lock core according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8A Side view of a knob and a top housing according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8B is according to several embodiments of the present invention Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of cross-section A-A.

[0017] Figure 9 Exploded view of a knuckle joint assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 Exploded view of a knuckle joint assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11A Perspective view of a knob according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 11B Bottom view of a knob according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11C is Figure 11B Cross-sectional view of cross-section D-D in.

[0022] Figure 12A Top view of a lock core according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 12B is a perspective view of a lock cylinder according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12C is a bottom view of a lock cylinder according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13A is a side view of a knob and a top housing according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13B is according to several embodiments of the present invention Figure 13A cross-sectional view of section B-B.

[0027] Figure 13C is according to several embodiments of the present invention Figure 13A cross-sectional view of section C-C. Detailed Description

[0028] The present invention includes devices and methods for a surgical stapler. An exemplary device includes a reloadable cartridge assembly and a surgical handle assembly, the surgical handle assembly including a knuckle joint assembly configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in a first operating position. In some examples, the knuckle joint assembly may include: a knob in a first position; a lock cylinder coupled to the knob; a top housing; a first roller and a second roller; and a first spring. The first roller may be positioned on a first end of the first spring and the second roller may be positioned on a second end of the first spring, and wherein the first spring may be configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock cylinder and the top housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

[0029] In several embodiments, the knuckle joint assembly is configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in one of a plurality of operating positions. For example, the knuckle joint assembly may be configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in the first operating position.

[0030] In some examples, the reloadable cartridge assembly may be configured to rotate from the first operating position to a second operating position about an axis of a particular plane. The knuckle joint assembly may be configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0031] In several embodiments, the knuckle joint assembly may further include a cam coupled to the lock cylinder. The cam may include a pin member that moves linearly in response to rotation of the cam. The pin member may be positioned within a slot of a sliding link, and the sliding link may be coupled to a knuckle joint arm. The sliding link and the knuckle joint arm may move linearly in response to the linear movement of the pin member.

[0032] The knuckle joint arm may be coupled to the reloadable cartridge assembly. The reloadable cartridge assembly may rotate from a first operating position to a second operating position in response to the linear movement of the knuckle joint arm due to a user rotating the knob.

[0033] In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the present invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and process, electrical, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] As used herein, specifically with respect to reference numerals in the drawings, identifiers such as “N,” “M,” “P,” “Q,” “R,” “S,” “T,” “V,” “X,” “Y,” “Z,” etc. indicate that a number of specific features may be included as so designated. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein may include both singular and plural referents. Additionally, “several,” “at least one,” and “one or more” (e.g., several pivot points) may refer to one or more pivot points, while “a plurality” is intended to refer to more than one such thing. Further, throughout this application, the words “can” and “may” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., having the possibility, being able to) rather than in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “comprising” and its derivatives mean “including but not limited to.” The terms “coupled” and “coupling” mean physically directly or indirectly connected or mean access to and movement of a device, as appropriate in the context.

[0035] The figures herein follow the numbering convention in which the first number or first few numbers correspond to the figure number and the remaining numbers identify an element or component in the figure. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by using similar numbers. For example, 222 may Figure 2 refer to element “22,” and similar elements may be in Figure 3Ais designated as 322 herein. As will be appreciated, elements shown in various embodiments herein may be added, replaced, and / or eliminated to provide several additional embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, the proportions and / or relative scales of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered limiting.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus 100 including a surgical handle assembly 102 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 103 according to several embodiments of the present invention. In this example, for instance, the apparatus 100 may be a surgical stapler.

[0037] As Figure 1 shown in the example of, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 (e.g., a disposable loading unit) may be releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate body of the surgical handle assembly 102. In this example, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may include a first elongate member 107 and a second elongate member 109 that may be used to grasp tissue. One of the elongate members may house one or more staple cartridges. The other elongate member may have an anvil that may be used to form staples when driven from the staple cartridge. As mentioned, the apparatus 100 may accept a reloadable cartridge assembly having rows of staples. In several embodiments, third-party reloadable cartridges and / or reloadable cartridge assemblies may be used with the surgical handle assembly 102, and embodiments of the surgical handle assembly 102 may be configured to accept the third-party reloadable cartridges and / or reloadable cartridge assemblies.

[0038] The knob 122 may be used to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to reach the stapling site and position the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 at a particular stapling angle. The knob 122 may be configured to be actuated in a rotational manner, and at least a portion of the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 (e.g., the elongate members 107 and 109) may rotate about an axis of a particular plane in response to the knob 122 being actuated rotationally by a user.

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a schematic view of a knuckle joint assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention. In some examples, the knuckle joint assembly may include a knob 222, a cam 224, a lock core 240, a sliding link 234, a knuckle joint arm 236, a top housing 238, and a bottom housing 239.

[0040] The knob 222 can be coupled to the cam 224, and the lock core 240 can be coupled to the knob 222, the top housing 238, and the cam 224. In some examples, the knob 222 can be coupled to the cam 224 via a spring pin. The lock core 240 can be actuated rotationally in response to the knob 222 being actuated rotationally by a user, which in turn can actuated the cam 224 rotationally.

[0041] In several embodiments, the cam 224 is coupled to the sliding link 234. The cam 224 can include a pin member to move linearly within a slot of the sliding link 234. The sliding link 234 can be configured to move in a linear direction in response to the cam 224 being actuated rotationally. In some examples, the sliding link 234 can be coupled to the knuckle arm 236.

[0042] The knuckle arm 236 can move in a linear direction in response to the sliding link 234 moving in a linear direction. In some examples, the knuckle arm 236 and the sliding link 234 can move in a linear distal direction in response to the lock core 240, the cam 224, and the knob 222 rotating counterclockwise. The knuckle arm 236 and the sliding link 234 can move in a linear proximal direction in response to the lock core 240, the cam 224, and the knob 222 rotating clockwise.

[0043] The knuckle arm 236 can be coupled to a reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in ). The reloadable cartridge assembly can rotate counterclockwise in response to the knuckle arm 236 moving in a linear distal direction due to the user rotating the knob 222 in a counterclockwise direction. The reloadable cartridge assembly can rotate clockwise in response to the knuckle arm 236 moving in a linear proximal direction due to the user rotating the knob 222 in a clockwise direction.

[0044] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob 322, a cam 324, and a sliding link 334 in a 0-degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] As previously discussed, the cam 324 can include a pin member. The pin member can be part of the cam 324 or coupled to the cam 324. The pin member can be positioned within a slot of the sliding link 334. The position of the pin member on the cam 324 can determine whether the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in ) rotates counterclockwise or clockwise in response to the user rotating the knob 322 counterclockwise or clockwise.

[0046] For example, for Figure 3AFor the position of the pin member of the cam 324 shown, the sliding link 334 can move in a linear distal direction in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the knob 322, thereby causing the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in Figure 1 ) to move counterclockwise, and the sliding link 334 can move in a linear proximal direction in response to a clockwise rotation of the knob 322, thereby causing the reloadable cartridge assembly to move clockwise. In some instances, the pin member of the cam 324 can be located at a position on the cam 324 such that the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g.,

[0047] Figure 3B ) will rotate clockwise in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the knob 322, and the reloadable cartridge assembly will rotate counterclockwise in response to a clockwise rotation of the knob 322.

[0048] For Figure 3B the position of the pin member of the cam 324 shown, the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in Figure 1 ) can be in a 45-degree operating mode in response to the knob 322 being in the 90-degree knob position. In some instances, the pin member of the cam 324 can be located at a position on the cam 324 such that the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g.,

[0049] Figure 3C ) will be in a -45-degree operating mode in response to the knob 322 being in the 90-degree knob position.

[0050] For Figure 3C the position of the pin member of the cam 324 shown, the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in Figure 1 ) can be in a -45-degree operating mode in response to the knob 322 being in the -90-degree knob position. In some instances, the pin member of the cam 324 can be located at a position on the cam 324 such that the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g.,

[0051] Figure 4ASchematic diagram of a device including a surgical handle assembly device 402 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a 0-degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention. The surgical handle assembly device 402 includes a knuckle joint assembly 420. The knuckle joint assembly 420 may include a knob 422.

[0052] In several embodiments, the knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in an operating position corresponding to the knob 422. In this example, the knob 422 is in a 0-degree knob position. Thus, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 is in the corresponding 0-degree operating position and is maintained in the 0-degree operating position as long as the knob 422 is maintained in the 0-degree knob position.

[0053] The knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 from a first operating position (e.g., a 0-degree operating position) corresponding to a first knob position (e.g., a 0-degree knob position) to a different operating position corresponding to a different knob position.

[0054] The reloadable cartridge assembly 403 may be actuated to any operating position up to approximately 90 degrees. In some examples, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 may be actuated to several operating positions between approximately 45 degrees and -45 degrees in response to the knob 422 being actuated to several knob positions between approximately 90 degrees and -90 degrees. For example, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 may be actuated to operating positions of 12.2, 26, -8.4, and / or -16.8 degrees.

[0055] Figure 4B Schematic diagram of an assembly device including a surgical handle assembly device 402 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a 45-degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention. The surgical handle assembly device 402 includes a knuckle joint assembly 420. In some examples, the knuckle joint assembly 420 may include a knob 422.

[0056] In several embodiments, the knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in an operating position corresponding to the knob position. In this example, the knob 422 is maintained in a 90-degree knob position. Thus, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 is in the corresponding 45-degree operating position and is maintained in the 45-degree operating position as long as the knob 422 is maintained in the 90-degree knob position.

[0057] The knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 from a 45-degree operating position corresponding to a 90-degree knob position to a different operating position corresponding to a different knob position.

[0058] Figure 4C FIG. is a schematic view of an assembly device including a surgical handle assembly device 402 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a -45 degree operating position according to several embodiments of the present invention. The surgical handle assembly device 402 includes a knuckle joint assembly 420. In some examples, the knuckle joint assembly 420 may include a knob 422.

[0059] In several embodiments, the knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in an operating position corresponding to the knob position. In this example, the knob 422 is maintained in a -90 degree knob position. Thus, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 is in the corresponding -45 degree operating position and is maintained in the -45 degree operating position as long as the knob 422 is maintained in the -90 degree knob position.

[0060] In some examples, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 may be actuated from the -45 degree operating position to several operating positions in response to the knob 422 being actuated by a user. The knuckle joint assembly 420 may be configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 from the -45 degree operating position corresponding to the -90 degree knob position to different operating positions corresponding to different knob positions.

[0061] Figure 5 FIG. is an exploded view of a knuckle joint assembly including a knob 522, a lock core 540, a top housing 538, and a cam 524 in a 0 degree knob position according to several embodiments of the present invention. In some examples, the knuckle joint assembly may further include one or more rollers 544-1, 544-2, 544-3, 544-4, 544-5, 544-X, one or more rollers 546-1, 546-2, 546-Y, a pawl spring 548, a pawl ball 550, and a spring pin 558. Although six rollers 544-1,..., 544-X and three rollers 546-1,..., 546-Y are illustrated, the knuckle joint assembly may include any number of rollers 544-1,..., 544-X and any number of rollers 546-1,..., 546-Y. In some examples, the rollers 544-1,..., 544-X may be made of metal or plastic.

[0062] For example, the knob 522 may include an opening 552 (e.g., a slot), and the knob 522 may be coupled to the cam 524 via a spring pin 558. As will be described below, the spring pin 558 keeps the knob 522 attached to the shaft of the cam 524 but does not interfere with the rotation of the knob 522 because the opening 552 allows the knob 522 to rotate without interference from the pin 558.

[0063] In some instances, the lock cylinder 540 may be coupled to the top housing 538, and the cam 524 may be coupled to the lock cylinder 540. For example, when assembled, the lock cylinder 540 fits within the cylindrical opening 554 of the top housing 538, the shaft of the cam 524 fits within the spline 542 (e.g., opening) of the lock cylinder 540, and the pin 558 is within the opening 556 of the cam 524 and the opening 552 of the knob 522.

[0064] The top surface of the top housing 538 may include a stop slot 553. The knob 522 may further include a stop tab (e.g., Figure 6 the stop tab 662 in

[0065] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the knob 622. The bottom of the knob 622 may include several tabs 660-1, 660-2, 660-3, 660-Z (e.g., lugs or bosses). The tabs 660-1, …, 660-Z of 662 may be part of the knob 622 or coupled to the knob 622. As will be further explained in Figure 8B one or more of the tabs 660-1, …, 660-Z may be used to contact one or more rollers (e.g., Figure 5 the rollers 544-1, …, 544-X in

[0066] As previously described in connection with Figure 5 the knob 622 may further include a stop tab 662. The stop tab 662 may be located within a stop slot (e.g., Figure 5 the stop slot 553 in

[0067] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a lock cylinder 740 in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 7A the lock cylinder 740 includes a top portion 764, one or more spring tabs 766-1, 766-2, 766-M each including roller spring openings 768-1, 768-2, 768-N, a pawl tab 770 including a pawl spring opening 772, a spline 742, and a key 774.

[0068] Figure 7A illustrates three spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M, but the lock cylinder 740 may include any number of spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M. Each of the one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M may include one or more roller spring openings 768-1, …, 768-N. One or more rollers (e.g.,Figure 5 A portion of the rollers 546-1, …, 546-Y) may be located within one or more roller spring openings 768-1, …, 768-N. One or more roller spring openings 768-1, …, 768-N may extend a specific distance into one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M or extend through one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M to allow the rollers to penetrate one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M. For example, the roller spring opening 768-N may extend through the spring tab 766-M, and a spring (e.g., Figure 5 the spring 546-Y) in may be located within the roller spring opening 768-N and extend through the spring tab 766-M to contact a roller (e.g., Figure 5 the roller 544-X) on a first side of the spring tab 766-M and contact a roller (e.g., Figure 5 the roller 544-5) on a second side of the tab 766-M. In some instances, each of the one or more roller spring openings 768-1, …, 768-N may extend a specific distance into one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M to prevent one or more springs from extending through one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M, and allow a first spring to extend from an opening in the one or more openings 768-1, …, 768-N on a first side of a tab in the one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M and allow a second spring to extend from an opening in the one or more openings 768-1, …, 768-N on a second side of a tab in the one or more spring tabs 766-1, …, 766-M.

[0069] The pawl tab 770 may include a pawl spring opening 772. A portion of a pawl spring (e.g., Figure 5 the pawl spring 548) in may be located within the pawl spring opening 772. When the knob (e.g., Figure 6 the knob 622) in is at 0 degrees, the pawl spring may bias a pawl ball (e.g., Figure 5 the pawl ball 550) into the opening. In some instances, the knob may include a continuous tab instead of two tabs of the one or more tabs (e.g., Figure 6 the tabs 660-1, …, 660-Z) in response to the knuckle joint assembly not including the pawl tab 770. For example, a first tab (e.g., Figure 6 the tab 660-1) and a second tab (e.g., Figure 6 the tab 660-Z) may be combined into one tab.

[0070] The spline 742 may be an opening through the lock core 740. A cam (e.g., Figure 5The shaft of the cam 524) therein can be positioned within the spline 742. The cam can be forced to move rotationally in response to the rotational movement of the lock cylinder 740.

[0071] The lock cylinder 740 can further include a key 774. The key can be a void in the lock cylinder 740, for example, a void used during the manufacture of a knuckle joint assembly. Using the position of the key 774, a manual or automated manufacturing system can place the lock cylinder 740 in the proper orientation into a cylindrical opening (e.g., Figure 5 the cylindrical opening 554) therein.

[0072] Figure 7B is a top view of a lock cylinder 740 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The lock cylinder 740 includes one or more spring tabs 766-1, 766-2, 766-M, pawl tabs 770, splines 742, portions of concentric voids 778-1, 778-2, 778-3, 778-Q, and blocking surfaces 776-1, 776-2, 776-3, 776-4, 776-5, 776-P.

[0073] In this embodiment, the portions of the concentric voids 778-1, …, 778-Q can form discontinuous cylinders having a circumference smaller than the inner circumference of a cylindrical opening (e.g., Figure 5 the opening 554) therein. The blocking surfaces 776-1, …, 776-P can be chords of circles corresponding to the portions of the concentric voids 778-1, …, 778-Q. When the lock cylinder 740 is placed in the cylindrical opening, the depth from the surface of the cylindrical opening to the surface of the blocking surfaces 776-1, …, 776-P ranges from slightly greater than the diameter of each of one or more rollers (e.g., Figure 5 the rollers 544-1, 544-2, 544-3, 544-4, 544-5, 544-X) therein to a depth matching that of the portions of the concentric voids 778-1, …, 778-Q. The depth of the portions of the concentric voids 778-1, …, 778-Q is less than the diameter of each of one or more rollers, but is large enough to accommodate the movement of one or more spring tabs 776-1, …, 766-M. The radially outer surfaces of the one or more spring tabs 776-1, …, 766-M are large enough to accommodate the spring openings 768-1, …, 768-N while allowing rotation in the cylindrical opening. The diameter of the radially outer surface of the tab 770 is large enough to accommodate a pawl spring opening (e.g., Figure 7A the pawl spring opening 772) therein.

[0074] Figure 8A is a side view of the knob 822 and the top housing 838. Figure 8AFurther illustrate the end of the spring pin 858 located within the knob opening 852 and the tip 891 located at one end of the knob 822.

[0075] Figure 8B is Figure 8A a cross-sectional view of cross-section A-A. Figure 8B Illustrate the stop tab 862, one or more tabs 860-1, 860-2, 860-3, 860-Z, the pawl spring 848, the pawl ball 850, one or more rollers 844-1, 844-2, 844-3, 844-4, 844-5, 844-X, one or more roller springs 846-1, 846-2, 846-Y, the lock cylinder 840 including the spline 842, the shaft of the cam 824, the cylindrical opening 854, the pawl opening 872, and the tip 891.

[0076] The knob 822 may include a stop tab 862. The stop tab 862 may be positioned within the stop slot 853 of the top housing 838. The length of the stop slot 853 may limit the rotation of the knob 822. For example, the knob will not be able to rotate beyond either end of the stop slot 853.

[0077] Shown in the pawl opening 872 is the pawl ball 850 that is subject to an outward force provided by the pawl spring 848. The size of the pawl opening 872 may be smaller than the diameter of the pawl ball 850. When the pawl ball 850 is positioned within the pawl opening 872, the distal end of the knob 822 and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in

[0078] One or more rollers 844-1, …, 844-X are positioned on either side of each of one or more roller springs 846-1, …, 846-Y. For example, roller 844-1 is positioned on the first end of spring 846-1 and roller 844-2 is positioned on the second end of spring 846-1, roller 844-3 is positioned on the first end of spring 846-2 and roller 844-4 is positioned on the second end of spring 846-2, and roller 844-5 is positioned on the first end of spring 846-Y and roller 844-X is positioned on the second end of spring 846-Y. Each of one or more roller springs 846-1, …, 846-Y provides a force that causes one or more rollers 844-1, …, 844-X to move away from each other at either end of each of one or more roller springs 846-1, …, 846-Y.

[0079] To pivotally couple a reloadable cartridge assembly, the user will rotate the knob 822. A clockwise rotation of the knob 822 will cause one or more tabs 860-1, …, 860-Z to rotate and move one or more rollers 844-2, …, 844-X in a clockwise direction, thereby overcoming the force of one or more roller springs 846-1, …, 846-Y. This clockwise movement can cause one or more rollers 844-2, …, 844-X to move from the intersection of a blocking surface (e.g., the blocking surfaces 776-1, …, 776-P in Figure 7B to a greater depth portion of the blocking surface of the lock core 840 from a portion of a concentric void (e.g., a portion of the concentric voids 778-1, …, 778-Q in Figure 7B . For example, the tab 860-1 will contact the roller 844-1 and apply a force to the roller 844-1 in response to a clockwise rotation of the knob 822. The roller 844-1 will apply a force to the roller spring 846-1 in response to the force applied from the tab 860-1, and the roller spring 846-1 will apply a force to the roller 844-2 in response to the force applied from the roller 844-1. When the roller 844-2 is pushed in a clockwise direction, the roller 844-2 is pushed against a blocking surface (e.g., the blocking surface 776-1 in Figure 7B proximate to a portion of a concentric void (e.g., a portion of the concentric void 778-1 in Figure 7B . Since the depth between the inner wall of the cylindrical opening 854 and the intersection of the portion of the concentric void and the blocking surface is less than the diameter of the rollers 844-2, …, 844-X, the movement of the roller 844-2 will cause the lock core 840 to move in a clockwise direction. This rotation of the lock core 840 causes the cam 824 to rotate and causes a sliding link (e.g., the sliding link 234 in Figure 2 and a pivotally coupled arm (e.g., the pivotally coupled arm 236 in Figure 2 to move in a distal direction, thereby causing the distal end of the reloadable cartridge assembly to move in a clockwise direction (e.g., rotate).

[0080] Similarly, to pivotally couple the reloadable cartridge assembly in a counterclockwise direction, the user can rotate the knob 822 in a counterclockwise direction. In some instances, a counterclockwise rotation of the knob 822 will cause the tab 860-2 to move the roller 844-2 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby overcoming the force of the roller spring 846-1. This counterclockwise movement causes the roller 844-2 to move from the intersection of the blocking surface and the concentric void to a greater depth portion of the blocking surface of the lock core 840.

[0081] In several embodiments, continued counterclockwise rotation of the knob 822 causes the roller 844-2 to continue to push against the roller spring 846-1 and causes the roller spring 846-1 to push against the roller 844-1. As the roller 844-1 is pushed in the counterclockwise direction, the roller 844-1 pushes against a blocking surface adjacent to a portion of the concentric gap. Since the depth between the inner wall of the cylindrical opening 854 and the intersection of the portion of the concentric gap and the blocking surface is less than the diameter of the roller 844-1, the movement of the roller 844-1 will cause the lock core 840 to move in the counterclockwise direction. This rotation of the lock core 840 causes the cam 824 to rotate and causes the sliding link 234 and the knuckle arm 236 to move in the proximal direction, thereby causing the distal end of the reloadable cartridge assembly to move in the counterclockwise direction.

[0082] The knuckle joint assembly can hold the reloadable cartridge assembly in the operating position. When the user stops rotating the knob 822 and the knob 822 stops applying force to the roller 844-1, due to the force of the roller spring 846-1, the roller 844-1 moves to a position where the roller 844-1 pushes against a blocking surface adjacent to a portion of the concentric gap, and due to the force of the roller spring 846-1, the roller 844-2 moves to a position where the roller 844-2 pushes against a blocking surface away from a portion of the concentric gap. With the rollers 844-1 and 844-2 in these positions, the lock core 840 will not move in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction until the user rotates the knob 822. Thus, the knuckle joint assembly will hold the knob 822 in its current position and hold the reloadable cartridge assembly in its current operating position.

[0083] By coupling the knob 822 to the shaft of the cam 824 via a spring pin 858 within an opening 852 in the knob 822, the cam 824 does not start to rotate until the knob 822 has been rotated a certain distance. When the knob 822 begins to rotate, initially the cam 824 and the spring pin 858 remain stationary. The stationary spring pin 858 does not interfere with the rotation of the knob 822 because the opening 852 allows the knob 822 to rotate without interference from the spring pin 858. As described above, the cam 824 rotates in response to the rotation of the lock core 840.

[0084] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a knuckle joint assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention. The knuckle joint assembly can include the knob 922, cam 924, lock core 940, sliding link 934, knuckle arm 936, top housing 938, and bottom housing 939 previously incorporated Figure 2 as described. As Figure 9 illustrated, the knuckle joint assembly can further include one or more pawl balls 984-1 and 984-R and one or more pawl springs 986-1 and 986-S.

[0085] One or more pawl balls 984-1 and 984-R and one or more pawl springs 986-1 and 986-S can be used to indicate when the knob 922 and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in

[0086] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a hinge assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention. The hinge assembly can include the knob 1022, the cam 1024, the lock cylinder 1040, one or more roller springs 1046-1, 1046-2, 1046-Y, one or more rollers 1044-1, 1044-2, 1044-3, 1044-4, 1044-5, 1044-X, the top housing 1038, the spring pin 1058, one or more pawl balls 1084-1, 1084-R, one or more pawl springs 1086-1, 1086-S, and the knob opening 1052 previously described. The hinge assembly can further include a cylinder 1088 and one or more pawl spring openings 1090-1, 1090-T.

[0087] The cylinder 1088 can be located within the top housing 1038. For example, the cylinder 1088 can be molded into the cylindrical opening 1054 during manufacturing. In some instances, the cylinder 1088 can be made of metal or plastic.

[0088] As previously described in connection with Figure 9 One or more pawl balls 1084-1 and 1084-R and one or more pawl springs 1086-1 and 1086-S can be used to indicate when the knob 1022 and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1how the reloadable cartridge assembly 103) aligns with the longitudinal axis of the reloadable cartridge assembly. For each of the one or more pawl balls 1084-1, 1084-R, the knob 1022 can include one or more pawl ball openings (e.g., pawl ball openings 1192-1, 1192-V in FIG. 11), and for each of the one or more pawl springs 1086-1, 1086-S, the top housing 838 can include one or more pawl spring openings 1090-1, 1090-T. A portion of each of the one or more pawl springs 1086-1, 1086-S can be located within the one or more pawl spring openings. Each of the one or more pawl springs 1086-1, 1086-S can bias the pawl balls in the one or more pawl balls 1084-1, 1084-R into each of the one or more pawl ball openings in the knob 1022 in response to the knob 1022 being at 0 degrees. In some instances, a tactile and / or audible indication is provided to the user when the pawl balls 1084-1, 1084-R move into the pawl ball openings.

[0089] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a knob 1122 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The bottom of the knob 1122 includes one or more tabs 1160-1, 1160-2, 1160-Z. As Figure 11A illustrated, the knob can include, but is not limited to, three tabs 1160-1, 1160-2, 1160-Z that move one or more rollers (e.g., Figure 10 rollers 1044-1,..., 1044-X in).

[0090] Figure 11B is a bottom view of a knob 1122 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The knob 1122 can include one or more tabs 1160-1, 1160-2, 1160-Z and one or more pawl ball openings 1192-1, 1192-V. When the knob 1122 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reloadable cartridge assembly, the pawl balls (e.g., Figure 10 pawl balls 1084-1, 1084-R in) can fit into the pawl ball openings 1192-1, 1192-V. In some embodiments, a tactile and / or audible indication is provided to the user when the pawl balls move into the pawl ball openings 1192-1, 1192-V.

[0091] Figure 11C is Figure 11B a cross-sectional view of D-D in. As Figure 11C illustrated, the knob 1122 can include one or more tabs 1160-1, 1160-2 and one or more pawl openings 1192-1, 1192-V, as previously described in connection with Figure 11B .

[0092] Figure 12A is a top view of a lock cylinder 1240 according to several embodiments of the present invention. As previously described in Figure 7B , the lock cylinder 1240 may include splines 1242, plug surfaces 1276-1, 1276-2, 1276-3, 1276-4, 1276-5, 1276-P, one or more spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M, and portions of concentric voids 1278-1, 1278-2, 1278-Q. As Figure 12A illustrated, the lock cylinder 1240 may include, but is not limited to, three spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M.

[0093] Figure 12B is a perspective view of a lock cylinder 1240 according to several embodiments of the present invention. As previously described in connection with Figure 7A , the lock cylinder 1240 may include splines 1242, one or more spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M, one or more roller spring openings 1268-1, 1268-2, 1268-N, a key 1274, a top portion 1264, and a bottom portion 1284. As Figure 12B illustrated, the lock cylinder 1240 may include, but is not limited to, three spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M.

[0094] Figure 12C is a bottom view of a lock cylinder 1240 according to several embodiments of the present invention. As previously described in connection with Figure 7A , the lock cylinder 1240 may include splines 1242, a bottom portion 1284, and a key 1274. As Figure 12C illustrated, the lock cylinder 1240 may further include a stop lug 1293. The stop lug 1293 may be located in a groove (e.g., Figure 13C the groove 1398 in Figure 13C ) to limit rotation of the lock cylinder 1240, as will be discussed further in connection with

[0095] Figure 13A is a side view of a knob 1322 and a top housing 1338 according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13A Further illustrated is one end of a spring pin 1358 located within a knob opening 1352 and a tip 1391 located at one end of the knob 1322.

[0096] Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of section B-B of Figure 13A according to several embodiments of the present invention. As previously described in connection with Figure 8BAs discussed, the knuckle joint assembly can include one or more tabs 1360-1, 1360-2, 1360-Z, one or more rollers 1344-1, 1344-2, 1344-3, 1344-4, 1344-5, 1344-X, one or more roller springs 1346-1, 1346-2, 1346-Y, a lock cylinder 1340 including a spline 1342, a shaft of the cam 1324, and a tip 1391. Figure 13B Further includes previously combined Figure 10 the described cylinder 1388 and one or more pawl spring openings 1390-1, 1390-T.

[0097] Figure 13C is according to several embodiments of the present invention Figure 13A Cross-sectional view of section C-C. The lock cylinder 1340 includes a stop lug 1393, and the top housing 1338 includes a groove 1398. As Figure 13C illustrated, the stop lug 1393 is located within the groove 1398. In response to the stop tab 1397 contacting one end of the groove 1398, the coupling of the stop tab 1397 to the lock cylinder 1340 or a part of the lock cylinder 1340 restricts the rotation of the lock cylinder 1340 and thus restricts the rotation of the knob 1322 and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in

[0098] In many prior art knuckle joint mechanisms, the knuckle joint of a medical device is limited to a certain number of discrete positions. In the embodiments disclosed herein, subject to stops (if used) or physical limitations of the mechanism, the mechanism can be knuckle jointed at any angle.

[0099] In many embodiments herein, the handle assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the handle assembly 102 in Figure 1 is shown as being manually actuated. Other handle assemblies can also be used, such as a handle assembly driven by an electric motor. In these motor-driven handle assemblies, disposable or reusable / rechargeable batteries can be used. It is also contemplated that the handle assembly can be replaced by a robotic mechanism or a remotely controlled mechanism. In this embodiment, the doctor / user is away from the patient and controls the device from a computer input station, etc. In this embodiment, the reload assembly (e.g.,

[0100] In many embodiments herein, the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in Figure 1the elongate member 107) and a second elongate member (e.g., Figure 1 a jaw assembly of the elongate member 109), a knuckle joint hinge assembly for receiving the jaw assembly, and a knuckle joint that can be mechanically coupled to the knuckle joint assemblies disclosed herein, which allows the distal end of the reload cartridge to be knuckle jointed. The invention described herein is equally applicable to configurations where the handle assembly (e.g., Figure 1 the handle assembly 102) includes a handle and a knuckle joint mechanism and a knuckle joint that allows for knuckle jointing of the jaws. In this embodiment, the entire knuckle joint mechanism (mechanism and joint) will be within the axis of the handle assembly. In various embodiments, the reload cartridge may include a coupling and a jaw assembly or may include only a staple cartridge.

[0101] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that arrangements calculated to achieve the same results may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover alterations or variations of one or more embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. After reviewing the above description, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein. The scope of one or more embodiments of the invention includes other applications in which the above structures and processes are used. Accordingly, the scope of one or more embodiments of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0102] In the foregoing detailed description, for purposes of simplifying the present invention, some features are grouped together in a single embodiment. This method of the present invention should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the invention must use more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for articulating a medical device, which comprises: A surgical handle assembly (102, 402) comprising an articulation assembly (420), the articulation assembly comprising: Knobs (122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 822, 1122, 1322) in a first position; Lock cores (240, 540, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1240, 1340) coupled to the knobs, the lock cores comprising spring tabs having roller spring openings; Housings (238, 538, 838); A first roller (544, 844, 1044, 1344) and a second roller; and A first spring (546, 846, 1346); Wherein the first spring is located within the roller spring opening such that the first spring: (a) extends through the spring tab to contact the first roller on a first side of the spring tab; and (b) contacts the second roller on a second side of the spring tab; and Wherein the first spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the articulation assembly is configured to maintain a reloadable cartridge assembly in one of a plurality of operating positions including a first operating position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the articulation assembly further comprises a cam (224) coupled to the lock core.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first roller and the second roller are metals.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third roller, a fourth roller and a second spring, wherein the third roller is positioned on a first side of the second spring and the fourth roller is positioned on a second side of the second spring, wherein the second spring is configured to bias the third roller and the fourth roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a fifth roller, a sixth roller and a third spring, wherein the fifth roller is positioned on a first side of the third spring and the sixth roller is positioned on a second side of the third spring, wherein the third spring is configured to bias the fifth roller and the sixth roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

7. An apparatus for articulating a medical device, which comprises: A reloadable cartridge assembly (103); and A surgical handle assembly (102, 402) comprising an articulation assembly (420) configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly from a first operating position to a second operating position, the articulation assembly comprising: Knobs (122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 822, 1122, 1322) configured to rotate from a first knob position to a second knob position; Cylinder cores (240, 540, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1240, 1340) including spring tabs having roller spring openings; Housings (238, 538, 838); A first roller and a second roller (544, 844, 1044, 1344); and Springs (546, 846, 1346); wherein the spring is located within the roller spring opening such that the spring: (a) extends through the spring tab to contact the first roller on a first side of the spring tab; and (b) contacts the second roller on a second side of the spring tab; wherein the spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the cylinder core and the housing; and wherein the first roller and the second roller are configured to rotate to allow the cylinder core to rotate with the knob.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reloadable cartridge assembly is configured to rotate from the first operating position to a second operating position about an axis of a particular plane.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the knob is actuated to a third knob position and the reloadable cartridge assembly is actuated to a third operating position.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the knob is actuated clockwise from the first knob position to the second knob position to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly clockwise from the first operating position to the second operating position.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the hinge connection assembly further includes a first tab (660, 860, 1160, 1360) and a second tab coupled to the knob.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first tab is configured to contact the first roller in response to rotation of the knob from the first knob position to the second knob position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second tab is configured to contact the second roller in response to rotation of the knob from the second knob position to the first knob position.

14. A method of hinge connecting a medical device, which comprises: providing the medical device, the medical device including: a housing (238, 538, 838); a knob (122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 822, 1122, 1322) having a tab (660, 860, 1160, 1360); a cylinder core (240, 540, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1240, 1340) including a spring tab having a roller spring opening; a cam (224) coupled to the cylinder core, wherein the cam includes a pin member; A first roller (544, 844, 1044, 1344) and a second roller; and springs (546, 846, 1346); wherein the spring is located within the roller spring opening such that the spring: (a) extends through the spring tab to contact the first roller on a first side of the spring tab; and (b) contacts the second roller on a second side of the spring tab; and wherein the spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing; Rotate the knob; In response to rotating the knob, the first roller contacts the tab; In response to the tab contacting the first roller, rotate the first roller and the second roller; In response to rotating the first roller and the second roller, rotate the lock core; In response to rotating the lock core, rotate the cam; and In response to rotating the cam, move the pin member of the cam linearly.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the medical device further comprises a sliding link (234, 334) having a slot, wherein the pin member of the cam is positioned within the slot.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising moving the sliding link linearly in response to the pin member of the cam moving linearly.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the medical device further comprises a knuckle arm (236, 936) coupled to the sliding link.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising moving the knuckle arm linearly in response to the sliding link moving linearly.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the medical device further comprises a reloadable cartridge assembly (103).

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising rotating the reloadable cartridge assembly in response to the knuckle arm moving linearly.

Images