Patent ID: 7559449
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument comprising: a handle having an elongate tubular member extending distally from the handle; an end effector provided on a distal end of the elongate tubular member; a driver mounted for movement relative to the elongate tubular member to operate the end effector; an energy storage mechanism for storing and providing energy to move the drive rod; and an actuation mechanism operable on the energy storage mechanism to control the rate of release of the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism; wherein the energy storage mechanism includes: a spring and a piston operable on the spring; a piston rod affixed to the piston and engageable with the driver; and a gear structure on the piston rod operable with a gear structure on the driver to move the driver in response to movement of the piston rod.