Surgery – Instruments – Suture – ligature – elastic band or clip applier
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-17
2001-08-14
Jackson, Gary (Department: 3731)
Surgery
Instruments
Suture, ligature, elastic band or clip applier
C606S143000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273898
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a clip applicator having a handle, a magazine mountable on the handle and containing a number of clips, and a movable actuating grip on the handle, which is in direct or indirect engagement with a clip advancing device in the magazine when the magazine is mounted on the handle.
Clip applicators of this kind are used to apply elastically bendable clips of U-shaped cross section to suitable body parts, for example, to prevent hemorrhages in the region of the scalp. In the clip applicator, the clips are provided in a magazine in which there are a number of clips which are advanced stepwise in the magazine towards its open end by a suitable actuating mechanism. At the open end, there is an opening and applying device for opening the respective foremost clip, applying it at the desired place and then releasing it so that the clip is held at the point of application by the inherent elasticity of its arms.
It is known to design the magazines as independent constructional units which are mounted on a handle, as required, and are removed from it again when empty. The handle has actuating devices for actuating via a mechanical coupling advancing elements in the magazine, which, in turn, advance the clips in the magazine (WO96/32891).
When mounting the magazines on such handles, the problem arises that a mechanical coupling between the actuating grip of the handle, on the one hand, and the advancing mechanism in the magazine, on the other hand, is only possible in a certain position of the actuating grip. On the other hand, it is precisely when mounting the magazine that uncontrolled movement of the actuating grip to very different positions by the operator is likely to occur, and the magazine will then not be able to be put in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to so design a generic clip applicator that the mechanical coupling of the actuating grip and the clip advancing device in the magazine can in any case take place when mounting the magazine on the handle.
This object is accomplished in a clip applicator of the kind described at the outset, in accordance with the invention, in that there is arranged on the handle a locking device for locking in a lock position the actuating grip in an engagement position in which the engagement with the clip advancing device is able to be made when mounting the magazine, and for releasing the actuating grip in a release position.
The provision of such a locking device enables fixing of the actuating grip in the only position in which the mechanical coupling with the clip advancing device of the magazine is possible, and it is thus ensured that the coupling can take place without any problem when mounting the magazine.
It is particularly advantageous for the actuating grip to be displaceable by an elastic force into the engagement position. In order to be able to displace the locking device into the lock position, it is then no longer necessary to first move the actuating grip to this engagement position. This movement is already brought about by the elastic force, and, therefore, the actuating grip is automatically located in the engagement position after release. The applying of the locking device ensures that this engagement position of the actuating grip is also maintained when an operator grasps the clip applicator while mounting the magazine and possibly exerts forces on the actuating grip.
The elastic force for moving the actuating grip to the engagement position can, for example, be generated by a spiral spring clamped between actuating grip and handle.
It is also particularly advantageous for the locking device to be actuatable by the mounted magazine such that it is permanently in the release position. The magazine thus unlocks the locking device once it is located in the mounted position and so the user can immediately use the applicator after the magazine has been mounted, without having to unlock the actuating grip beforehand.
In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, provision is made for the locking device to be movable against the action of an elastic force out of the lock position into the release position. Thus, while the magazine is mounted, the locking device permanently remains in the release position and is thus inoperative, but if the magazine is removed, locking will automatically occur as the locking device moves into the lock position under the action of the elastic force once the actuating grip is located in the engagement position.
In a preferred embodiment, provision may be made for the locking device to comprise a locking body which is pressed under the action of a spring against the actuating grip or a part displaceable by the latter and in the engagement position of the actuating grip moves into a recess of the actuating grip or behind an edge of the actuating grip.
Herein it is advantageous for the locking body in its lock position to project into the path of movement of the magazine when mounting it on the handle and for the magazine to have a contact surface which places itself against the projection of the locking body when mounting the magazine and moves the locking body into the release position. Thus, the movement of the magazine when mounting it is used to move the locking device into the inoperative release position, and the user does not have to carry out any separate action for the unlocking.
In particular, the locking body can be in the form of a stepped piston displaceable in the longitudinal direction, and the thicker portion thereof in the engagement position of the actuating grip dips into a recess of the actuating grip, whereas the thinner portion then protrudes from the handle.
The thinner portion of the stepped piston can extend through a longitudinal slot of the actuating grip so that the actuating grip remains movable although the locking body is extending through it.
It is expedient for the thicker portion of the stepped piston to be mounted and guided in a housing which receives a compression spring resting at its end face against the stepped piston.
The housing can be releasably held on the handle, in particular, by screwing in place.
The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings the purpose of further explanation.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 35525 (1997-06-01), Stefanchik et al.
patent: Re. 36720 (2000-05-01), Green et al.
patent: 4576165 (1986-03-01), Green et al.
patent: 4637395 (1987-01-01), Caspar et al.
patent: 4854317 (1989-08-01), Braun
patent: 5643291 (1997-07-01), Pier et al.
patent: 5665097 (1997-09-01), Baker et al.
patent: 5843097 (1998-12-01), Mayenberger et al.
patent: 33 35 986 (1984-04-01), None
patent: 0 621 006 A1 (1994-10-01), None
patent: 95/23557 (1995-09-01), None
patent: WO 96/32891 (1996-10-01), None
Kienzle Karl-Ernst
Mayenberger Rupert
Weisshaupt Dieter
Aesculap AG & Co. KG
Jackson Gary
Lipsitz Barry R.
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