Micro-instrument

Abstract

A microsurgical instrument with opposing jaws rotatable relative to one another using a pivot integral to a frame comprising one jaw for rotating the other jaw and a linkage to push one jaw rotatably towards the other jaw wherein a distal-most surface of that jaw pushes against a surface of jaw to be moved.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A miniature articulated tip tool for micro-surgical, medical and like uses, comprising: (a) means defining an articulated tip with at least one pivotable element and a sole pivot element therefor with a range of movement of said tip between extended and retracted positions for effecting selective user controlled pivotal working movements, the said tip defining means comprising at least one fixed wall with an extension thereof formed together in one piece and serving as said pivot element;   (b) means defining a user control handle-actuating system; and   (c) means defining an elongated linkage between the handle-actuating system and the articulable tip pivotable member and a channel including such elongated linkage.   
     
     
       2. The tool of claim 1 wherein the tip has a construction of two side walls with said pivot constituting a one piece extension of both. 
     
     
       3. The tool of claim 2 wherein said sidewalls are essentially parallel and the one-piece pivot has essentially an hour glass form. 
     
     
       4. The tool of claim 1 wherein said pivotable element has a hook opening conforming to the pivot. 
     
     
       5. An endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: (a) means defining an articulated tip with at least one pivotable element and a sole pivot element therefor with a range of movement of said tip between extended and retracted positions for effecting selective user controlled pivotal working movements, the said tip defining means comprising at least one fixed wall with an extension thereof formed together in one piece serving as said pivot element, and the one-piece pivot having essentially an hour glass form;   (b) means defining a user control handle-actuating system; and   (c) means defining an elongated linkage between the handle-actuating system and the articulable tip pivotable member and a channel including such elongated linkage.   
     
     
       6. A grasper for micro-surgical, medical and like uses, comprising: (a) means defining an articulated tip with at least one pivotable element and a sole pivot element therefor with a range of movement of said tip between extended and retracted positions for effecting selective user controlled pivotal working movements, the said tip defining means comprising at least one fixed wall with an extension thereof formed together in one piece serving as said pivot element;   (b) means defining a user control handle-actuating system;   (c) means defining an elongated linkage between the handle-actuating system and the articulable tip pivotable member and a channel including such elongated linkage. .Iadd.   
     
     
       7.  A miniature articulated tip tool assembly comprising: (a) means defining an articulated tip with at least one pivotable element and a sole pivot element therefor with a range of movement of said tip between extended and retracted positions for effecting selective user controlled pivotal working movements;   (b) means defining a user controlled handle-actuating system; and   (c) means defining an elongated linkage between the handle-actuating system proximally and the articulable tip pivotable element distally and a channel medially including such elongated linkage such that a distal-most surface of said linkage transmits force directly to a surface of said articulable tip pivotable element to pivot said pivotable element to move said tip into said extended position..Iaddend..Iadd.8. The tool of claim 7 wherein said tip defining means comprises at least one fixed wall with an extension thereof formed together in one piece and serving as said pivot element..Iaddend..Iadd.9. The tool of claim 8 wherein the tip has a construction of two side walls with said pivot constituting a one piece extension of both..Iaddend..Iadd.10. The tool of claim 9 wherein said sidewalls are essentially parallel and the one-piece pivot has essentially   
     
     
        an hour glass form..Iaddend..Iadd.11.  A medical instrument comprising: a tubular extension having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end;   a movable end effector pivotally attached by a pivot to said distal end of said tubular extension; and   a drive member located within the tubular extension and capable of moving between a first proximal position and a second distal position within said tubular extension, said drive member having an arm pivotally attached by a pin and hole attachment to said movable end effector, said arm having a distal-most end surface for transferring force directly to said movable end effector causing said movable end effector to rotate about said pivot toward said longitudinal axis..Iaddend.