Patent ID: 8465475
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A tool comprising: a proximal portion; a central portion pivotably coupled to the proximal portion; a distal portion pivotably coupled to the central portion; an articulation mechanism configured to manipulate an angular orientation of the distal portion relative to the central portion, the articulation mechanism comprising a pair of links, the pair comprising a proximal link on the proximal portion of the tool and a distal link on the distal portion of the tool, the mechanism adapted such that movement of the proximal link causes corresponding relative movement of the distal link; a first articulation lock having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the first articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a yaw axis and corresponding relative movement of the distal link; a second articulation lock having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the second articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a pitch axis and corresponding relative movement of the distal link, wherein the engaged position of the first articulation lock is different form the engaged position of the second articulation lock; and a single actuator configured to move between an unlocked position, in which both the first and second articulation locks are moved into the disengaged positions, and a locked position, in which both the first and second articulation locks are moved into the engaged positions, wherein the first articulation lock comprises a section pivotably coupled to the proximal portion and the second articulation lock comprises a section pivotably coupled to the first articulation lock.