Patent ID: 6582451
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for manipulating tissues of a body of a patient or animal, the device including:a support means; a reciprocating member which moves relative to the support means; an articulated jaw structure having: a first and at least a second jaw member, each jaw member having a proximal end and a constraining surface adjacent its proximal end; and an articulating means for articulating the jaw members in response to reciprocation of the reciprocating member, the articulating means including: first and second connecting members, and at least first and second articulation members, wherein the first and second connecting members are each connected by a first pivotal connection to the reciprocating member and extend to respective second and third pivotal connections, and the first and second articulation members are connected together intermediate their respective ends by a fourth pivotal connection mounted to the support means, the first articulation member extending from said second pivotal connection to a fifth pivotal connection with the second jaw member distal its proximal end, and the second articulation member extending from said third pivotal connection to a sixth pivotal connection with the first jaw member distal its proximal end, the second pivotal connection being adapted to engage the constraining surface of the first jaw member and the third pivotal connection being adapted to engage the constraining surface of the second jaw member, such that on relative movement of the reciprocating member towards or away from the fourth pivotal connection, the second and third pivotal connections are also caused to move relatively away from or towards one another, so moving the jaw members relatively away from or towards one another.