Patent attributes
An input device for a robotic surgical instrument includes an operator input on a handle that is rotatably supported by a supporting link structure. A primary winding of a rotary transformer is fixed to the supporting link structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is fixed to the handle. An axial passage extends through the primary and secondary windings. An optical data transmitter is connected to the operator input to transmit data from the operator input through the axial passage. The secondary transformer winding provides power to the optical data transmitter without physical contact. An optical data receiver fixed to the supporting link structure receives data from the optical data transmitter transmitted through the axial passage in the rotary transformer without physical contact. The transmission of power and data without physical contact allows the handle to rotate continuously.
