US Patent 9161760 Surgical tool for robotic arm with rotating handle

A surgical tool is disclosed that may be rotatably mounted to a surgical robotic arm. The surgical tool is rotatable about a first axis that is at least substantially vertical when the robotic arm is in a horizontal position. The surgical tool includes a housing that is coupled to the arm and rotatable about the first axis. The housing is at least substantially cylindrical and defines a second axis that is at least substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The tool also includes a handle that includes a grip that is coupled to a sleeve. The sleeve rotatably accommodates at least part of the housing. As a result, the handle and sleeve may be rotated about the second axis while the housing remains fixed with respect to the second axis.