US Patent 11317977 Surgical instrument with commonly actuated robotic and manual features

A method for using a surgical instrument comprises actuating a movable valve member at a first time using robotic action and actuating the valve member at a second time using manual action. The instrument comprises the valve member, a robotic actuation piece, a chassis, a transport shaft coupled to the chassis, a cavity extending through the transport shaft, and a valve. The chassis is adapted to be mated with a robotic manipulator. The valve comprises the valve member, a manual button coupled thereto, and a valve channel. The valve member is configured to translate across the valve channel along an axis. Robotic actuation comprises rotating the robotic actuation piece around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the valve member. Manual action comprises translating the manual button parallel to the axis of the valve member. The robotic actuation piece remains engaged with the valve member during the manual action.