Patent ID: 8683896

Claim:
An instrument adapted for use by a human hand, the instrument comprising: an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a working segment and a connection segment opposite the working segment, wherein the connection segment of the end effector comprises a center longitudinal axis; and a handle extending from the connection segment of the end effector, the handle comprising: a first control; wherein the handle is configured to be supported between a thenar eminence of the hand and at least one support digit of the hand, wherein the at least one support digit is selected from the group consisting of a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger of the hand; wherein the first control is configured to be actuated by a first actuation digit of the hand, wherein the first actuation digit is selected from the group consisting of an index finger and a thumb of the hand; wherein the working segment of the end effector is positioned and oriented to perform a first action on a selected portion of a workpiece when the first control is actuated; wherein, when the handle is supported between the thenar eminence and the at least one support digit, the first control is on an opposite side of the center longitudinal axis of the connection segment from the at least one support digit, the first actuation digit rests on the first control, and a wrist, an elbow, and a shoulder corresponding to the hand are all in neutral positions.