Patent ID: 9474570
Filing Date: 2016-10-25
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A jaw angle detection system, comprising: first and second jaw members each having a flange extending proximally therefrom, the first and second jaw members configured to connect to an electrosurgical energy source for conducting energy through tissue held between the first and second jaw members, the flange of the second jaw member defining an interface therein; a contact disposed on the flange of the first jaw member; and a variable resistor disposed in the interface of the flange of the second jaw member in opposing relation to the contact, the contact and the variable resistor adapted to relay a signal to a sensing circuit of an electrosurgical energy source, wherein movement of the first and second jaw members from an open position to a closed position causes the contact to be received within the interface defined in the flange of the second jaw member and move across the variable resistor to vary the signal relayed back to a sensing circuit to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.