Patent ID: 7766822
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61B,G01M

Abstract:
1. A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures, comprising: a seal cap including a seal positioned within a housing, the housing including a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion, wherein the seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation; the track includes an inner upstanding annular wall and an outer upstanding annular wall connected by a base member, the outer upstanding annular wall including a plurality of preformed recesses formed therein; and a ratchet mechanism controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring, the ratchet mechanism including a ratchet arm oriented to engage a ratchet surface, the ratchet surface extends outwardly from a center of the seal assembly; wherein the ratchet arm is coupled to the upper seal ring and the ratchet surface is coupled to the lower seal ring, the ratchet surface being secured along an exterior surface of the outer upstanding annular wall at desired locations within the preformed recesses such that the ratchet surface extends outwardly from the center of the seal assembly.