Elizabeth Edwards

US Patent:

6723103, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Sep 6, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/236219

Inventors:

Elizabeth Ann Edwards - Lebanon OH 45036

International Classification:

A61B 1700

US Classification:

606 83

Abstract:

A rongeur having a crossbar with a cutter and a shaft with a footplate. The crossbar moves towards the footplate through movement of an actuator connected to the crossbar about an arcuate path about a first pivot. This results in a portion of the crossbar moving initially away from the shaft as the cutter moves towards the footplate to create a gap, and then back towards the shaft as the cutter contacts the footplate. A spring mechanism biases the crossbar in a ready position with a first distance separating the cutter and the footplate. When the cutter contacts the footplate, the crossbar is in a cutting position. When the crossbar is between the ready position and the cutting position, it is in an intermediate position with a gap between the crossbar and the shaft. A retainer is positioned in an engaged position to maintain the crossbar in an intermediate position for cleaning. The retainer is preferably a disposable O-ring which is disposed after each use.