초록 ▼

Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactiv

Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A grasping device, comprising:an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis;an end effector movably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint, the end effector having opposed first and second jaws formed on a distal end thereof and movable between an open and closed posit

What is claimed is: 1. A grasping device, comprising:an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis;an end effector movably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint, the end effector having opposed first and second jaws formed on a distal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position; andan electroactive polymer actuator disposed within the elongate shaft and expandable in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft when energy is delivered to the electroactive polymer actuator such that the electroactive polymer actuator is configured to move the end effector about the articulation joint relative to the shaft.