Inventors:
Norman J. LeMaire - Taunton MA
Francis J. DiFrancesco - Foxboro MA
Paul DiCarlo - E. Falmouth MA
Peter D. Naugler - Manchester MA
George J. Sikora - Brockton MA
Assignee:
Acufex Microsurgical, Inc. - Mansfield MA
International Classification:
A61B 1728
Abstract:
A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.