Patent attributes
A surgical device includes an elongate body, a tool assembly, a drive assembly, and an articulation mechanism for moving the tool assembly between a non-articulated position and articulated positions. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link, a first pivot link that is positioned on a first side of a flexible beam, and a second pivot link positioned on a second side of the flexible beam. The first and second pivot links are configured to control the path of movement of the flexible beam of the drive assembly as the flexible beam is moved between its retracted and advanced positions in non-articulated and articulated positions of the tool assembly to maintain a predetermined distance of movement of the clamp member within the tool assembly constant.
