Surgical end effectors and pulley assemblies thereof

<u>BACKGROUND</u>

0001Robotic surgical systems have been used in minimally invasive medical procedures. Some robotic surgical systems included a console supporting a robot arm, and at least one end effector such as forceps or a grasping tool including jaws for capturing tissue therebetween. The at least one end effector was mounted to the robot arm. During a medical procedure, the end effector was inserted into a small incision (via a cannula) or a natural orifice of a patient to position the end effector at a work site within the body of the patient.

0002Cables extended from the console, through the robot arm, and connected to the end effector. In some instances, the cables were actuated by means of motors that were controlled by a processing system including a user interface for a surgeon or clinician to be able to control the robotic surgical system including the robot arm and/or the end effector. The cables connected to a pulley assembly that transferred torque to drive the actuation of the end effector.

0003In some instances, surgical procedures may require fine control of the end effector to grasp tissue for dissection and/or to spread tissue surfaces for deep tissue access. Accordingly, there is a need for surgical tools that are able to provide precisely controlled forces applied by jaws of an end effector of a robotic surgical system.

0004<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20010021859A1"><text>US2001/0021859 A1</text></patcit> discloses a forceps with two movable jaws and a pulley arrangement for activating the jaws, each jaw connected to a rotary pulley and the arrangement comprising a further pulley connected to a driving motor, the rotary pulleys are connected by driving wires to the pulley connected to the motor.

<u>SUMMARY</u>

0005The invention is defined by independent claim 1 and further preferred embodiments are disclosed by the dependent claims. Jaws at the end of surgical robotics tools, such as forceps or scissor cutting tools, are driven by a pulley assembly including pulleys and cables. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector of a surgical tool comprises a first jaw and a second jaw each being rotatable about a first axis. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. The first and second driven pulleys are rotatable about the first axis. Each driven pulley includes a first radial side and a second radial side. A driving pulley is rotatable about a second axis. A first cable has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is connected to the first radial side of the first driven pulley. The second end portion is connected to the second radial side of the second driven pulley. The intermediate portion is connected to the driving pulley. A second cable has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is connected to the first radial side of the second driven pulley. The second end portion is connected to the second radial side of the first driven pulley. The intermediate portion is connected to the driving pulley. A rotation of the driving pulley about the second axis rotates the driven pulleys in opposite directions about the first axis to open or close the jaws.

0006In some embodiments, a rotation of the driving pulley in a first direction about the second axis may rotate the first and second driven pulleys via the first cable. A rotation of the driving pulley in a second direction, opposite the first direction, may rotate the first and second driven pulleys via the second cable.

0007In aspects of the present disclosure, during rotation of the driving pulley in the first direction, the first cable may be in a tensioned condition and the second cable may be in a slack condition. During rotation of the driving pulley in the second direction, the first cable may be in a slack condition and the second cable may be in a tensioned condition.

0008In another aspect of the present disclosure, the intermediate portions of the first and second cables may be connected to a common point of the driving pulley or may be connected to different points of the driving pulley. It is contemplated that the intermediate portions of the first and second cables may be crimped to the driving pulley.

0009According to the invention, the first end portion of the first cable and the second end portion of the second cable are parallel, and in other instances not according to the invention, the first end portion of the second cable and the second end portion of the first cable may cross. In other instances not according to the invention, the respective end portions of the cables may be perpendicular instead of parallel or may be positioned at different angles that are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

0010In some embodiments, a proximal end of the first jaw may be fixedly attached to a circumferential edge of the first drive pulley and a proximal end of the second jaw may be fixedly attached to a circumferential edge of the second drive pulley.

0011In aspects of the present disclosure, the first and second jaws may be in flush engagement with one another. It is contemplated that the first axis may be spaced a lateral distance from the second axis. It is further contemplated that the first and second cables may be connected to the driving pulley at a location off-set a radial distance from the second axis.

0012In embodiments, the driving pulley may support an anchor member, and the intermediate portions of the first and second cables may each be looped through the anchor member of the driving pulley. The anchor member may include a hook that can be attached to a circumferential edge of the driving pulley.

0013In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a pulley assembly for actuating a first jaw and a second jaw is provided. The pulley assembly comprises a first driven pulley configured to be attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley configured to be attached to the second jaw. The first and second driven pulleys are rotatable about a first axis. Each driven pulley includes a first radial side and a second radial side. A driving pulley is rotatable about a second axis. A first cable has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is connected to the first radial side of the first driven pulley. The second end portion is connected to the second radial side of the second driven pulley. The intermediate portion is connected to the driving pulley. A second cable has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is connected to the first radial side of the second driven pulley. The second end portion is connected to the second radial side of the first driven pulley. The intermediate portion is connected to the driving pulley. A rotation of the driving pulley about the second axis rotates the first and second driven pulleys in opposite directions about the first axis.

0014In aspects of the present disclosure, a rotation of the driving pulley in a first direction about the second axis may rotate the first and second driven pulleys via the first cable. A rotation of the driving pulley in a second direction, opposite the first direction, may rotate the first and second driven pulleys via the second cable. In embodiments, during rotation of the driving pulley in the first direction, the first cable may be in a tensioned condition and the second cable may be in a slack condition. During rotation of the driving pulley in the second direction, the first cable may be in a slack condition and the second cable may be in a tensioned condition.

0015In some of these aspects, the intermediate portions of the first and second cables may be connected to a common point of the driving pulley or may be connected to different points of the driving pulley. In some instances, the first and second cables may be crimped to the driving pulley.

0016In some of the aforementioned aspects, the first end portion of the first cable and the second end portion of the second cable are parallel, and the first end portion of the second cable and the second end portion of the first cable cross. In other instances not according to the invention, the respective end portions of the cables may be perpendicular instead of parallel or may be positioned at different angles that are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

0017In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, another pulley assembly for actuating a first jaw and a second jaw is provided. The pulley assembly includes at least two driven pulleys. Each driven pulley may be coupled to a respective jaw and each driven pulley includes at least two radial sides.

0018The pulley assembly includes a driving pulley rotatable about a different axis from the driven pulleys and at least two cable sections. Each cable section may couple different radial sides of each driven pulley to the driving pulley. A directional change in rotation of the driving pulley may relieve a tension in at least two first cable sections coupled to different radial sides of at least two of the driven pulleys and may apply a tension to at least two second cable sections coupled to opposite radial sides of the driven pulleys than the first two cable sections.

0019In some instances, a first cable section is coupled between a first radial side of a first driven pulley and the driving pulley. A second cable section is coupled between a second radial side of the first driven pulley and the driving pulley. A third cable section is coupled between a first radial side of a second driven pulley and the driving pulley. A fourth cable section is coupled between a second radial side of the second driven pulley and the driving pulley.

0020The first and the fourth cable sections may be tensioned and the second and the third cable sections may be slackened when the driving pulley is rotated in a first direction. The first and the fourth cable sections may be slackened and the second and the third cable sections may be tensioned when the driving pulley is rotated in a second direction. In some instances, at least two of the cable sections may be part of a single continuous cable.

0021The first and the second cable sections are part of a first single continuous cable and the third and the fourth cable sections are part of a second single continuous cable. In other instances not forming part of the invention, the first and the fourth cable sections may be part of a first single continuous cable and the second and the third cable sections may be part of a second single continuous cable. In other instances not forming part of the invention, each of the cable sections may be a separate cable from the other cable sections. In other embodiments of the invention, two of the cable sections are part of a single continuous cable and two of the cable sections are separate cables.

0022Further details and aspects of embodiments of the invention and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended figures.

0023As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular, such as up to about + or - 10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular.

<u>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</u>

0024Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1A</figref> is a schematic illustration of a medical work station and operating console in accordance with the present disclosure;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1B</figref> is a schematic, perspective view of a motor of a control device of the medical work station of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1A</figref>, having a cable connected thereto;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic plan view, with parts separated, of a surgical end effector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating jaws and a pulley assembly thereof;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref> is a perspective view of the pulley assembly of the end effector shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 3B</figref> is a perspective view of an alternate pulley assembly to that shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, the alternate pulley assembly of <figref idref="f0005">Fig 3B</figref> is not part of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective, cutaway view of the end effector shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref> with the jaws disposed in a closed configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective, cutaway view of the end effector shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref> with the jaws disposed in an open configuration; and</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic plan view, with parts separated, of a surgical end effector, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating jaws and a pulley assembly thereof, however not forming part of the present invention.</li></ul>

<u>DETAILED DESCRIPTION</u>

0025Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical end effectors and exemplary methods of actuating the same are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. The methods do not form part of the present invention. As used herein the term "distal" refers to that portion of the jaws and/or pulley assembly that is closer to a surgical site, while the term "proximal" refers to that portion of the jaws and/or pulley assembly that is farther from the surgical site.

0026Referring initially to <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1A</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">1B</figref>, a medical work station is shown generally as work station 1 and may include one or more robot arms 2, 3; a control device 4; and an operating console 5 coupled with control device 4. Operating console 5 includes a display device 6, which is set up in particular to display three-dimensional images and/or video; and manual input devices 7, 8, by means of which a person (not shown), for example a surgeon, is able to telemanipulate robot arms 2, 3 in a first operating mode, as known in principle to a person skilled in the art.

0027Each of the robot arms 2, 3 includes an attaching device 9, 11, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool "ST" supporting an end effector 100, in accordance with any one of several embodiments disclosed herein, as will be described in greater detail below.

0028Robot arms 2, 3 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to control device 4. Control device 4 (e.g., a computer) is set up to activate the drives, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 2, 3, their attaching devices 9, 11 and thus the surgical tool (including end effector 100) execute a desired movement according to a movement defined by means of manual input devices 7, 8. Control device 4 may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 2, 3 and/or of the drives.

0029Medical work station 1 is configured for use on a patient 13 lying on a patient table 12 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by means of end effector 100. Medical work station 1 may also include one or more robot arms 2, 3, the additional robot arms likewise being connected to control device 4 and being telemanipulatable by means of operating console 5. A medical instrument or surgical tool (including an end effector 100) may also be attached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station 1 may include a database 14, in particular coupled to with control device 4, in which are stored for example pre-operative data from patient 13 and/or anatomical atlases.

0030Reference may be made to <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20120116416A"><text>U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0116416, filed on November 3, 2011</text></patcit>, entitled "Medical Workstation,", for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of medical work station 1.

0031Control device 4 may control a plurality of motors (Motor 1...n) with each motor configured to wind-up or let out a length of cable "C" (<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1B</figref>) extending to end effector 100 of the surgical tool. The distal end of each cable "C" is wrapped around a driving pulley 140 of end effector 100 in the manner of a capstan to drive a rotation of driving pulley 140 as shown, for example, in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. In use, as cables "C" are wound-up and let out, cables "C" effect operation and/or movement of each end effector 100 of the surgical tool via pulley assembly 120, as described in further detail herein below. It is contemplated that control device 4 coordinates the activation of the various motors (Motor 1...n) to coordinate a winding-up or letting out a length of a respective cable "C" in order to coordinate an operation and/or movement of a respective end effector. Although <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1B</figref> shows a single cable "C" that is wound up or let out by a single motor, in some instances two or more cables or two ends of a single cable may be wound up or let out by a single motor. For example, in some instances, two cables or cable ends may be coupled in opposite directions to a single motor so that as the motor is activated in a first direction, one of the cables winds up while the other cable lets out. Other cable configurations may be used in different embodiments.

0032Turning now to <figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">FIGS. 2-5</figref>, an end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as 100. End effector 100 includes a first jaw 102a and a second jaw 102b. First and second jaws 102a, 102b are each rotatable or pivotable relative to one another. Each jaw 102a, 102b has a respective proximal end 104a, 104b and a respective distal end 106a, 106b. Each proximal end 104a, 104b is fixedly attached to first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b, respectively, as described in further detail herein below. Each proximal end 104a, 104b of jaws 102a, 102b can be integrally connected to and/or monolithically formed with a circumferential edge of driven pulleys 122a, 122b, respectively. Each distal end 106a, 106b of jaws 102a, 102b defines a respective grip or toothed portion 108a, 108b in juxtaposed relation to one another. In use, as will be described in greater detail below, as driving pulley 140 is rotated in one of a clockwise and counter clockwise direction, jaws 102a, 102b will be caused to rotate, moving jaws 102a, 102b from a first, open configuration in which jaws 102a, 102b may receive tissue therebetween to a second, closed configuration in which jaws 102a, 102b may grasp tissue.

0033End effector 100 includes a pulley assembly 120 disposed therein for actuating jaws 102a, 102b of end effector 100. Pulley assembly 120 includes a first driven pulley 122a, a second driven pulley 122b, a driving pulley 140, a first cable "C1" and a second cable "C2." In <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, cables C1 and C2 are each continuous cables that may have different cable sections, such as section S1 on cable C1 running from anchor member 180a on driven pulley 122a to anchor member 150 on driving pulley 140 and section S2 on cable C1 running from anchor member 150 to anchor member 180b on driven pulley 122b. Cable C2 may include cable sections S3 running from anchor member 182b on driven pulley 122a to anchor member 150 and section S4 running from anchor member 150 to anchor member 182a on driven pulley 122b.

0034In another embodiment that is a variation of that shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, cables C1 and C2 may also be continuous cables that may be attached to pulleys 122a, 122b, and 140 in a different manner. For example, continuous cable C1 may include a first section running from anchor member 180a on driven pulley 122a to anchor member 150 on driving pulley 140 (similar to section S1 in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>) and a second section running from anchor member 150 to anchor member 182a on driven pulley 122b (similar to section S4 in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>). Continuous cable C2 may include a first section running from anchor member 180b on driven pulley 122b to anchor member 150 (similar to section S2 in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>) and a second section running from anchor member 150 to anchor member 182b on driven pulley 122a (similar to section S3 in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>).

0035This configuration may result in a tensioning of a first section of cables C1 and C2 during a rotation of the driving pulley 140 in a first direction as well as a slacking of the other second section of cables C1 and C2. A tensioning of the second sections of cables C1 and C2 and a slacking of the first sections of cables C1 and C2 may occur when rotating the driving pulley 140 in the opposite direction. Other cable routings may be possible in different embodiments.

0036<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 3B</figref> shows an example not forming part of the present invention, in which continuous cables C1 and C2 are replaced with four non-continuous sections of cable S5 to S8. In <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 3B</figref>, cable section S5 runs from anchor member 180a on driven pulley 122a to anchor member 151 on driving pulley 140. Cable section S6 runs from a different anchor member 152 on driving pulley 140 to anchor member 180b on driven pulley 122b. Cable section S7 runs from anchor member 182b on driven pulley 122a to anchor member 153 on driving pulley 140. Cable section S8 runs from anchor member 153 on driving pulley 140 to anchor member 182a on driven pulley 122b. Cables and/or cable sections may be connected to the same or different anchor members on the driving pulley 140 in different embodiments.

0037In embodiments, jaws 102a, 102b may be detachably engaged to driven pulleys 122a, 122b via a hinge, clips, buttons, adhesives, ferrule, snap-fit, threaded, and/or other engagement.

0038Each driven pulley 122a, 122b has a central opening 124a, 124b formed therein configured for disposal or receipt of a pivot pin (not shown) therein. Central openings 124a, 124b of each driven pulley 122a, 122b are in coaxial alignment with one another. A first axis "XI" extends through central openings 124a, 124b of first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b. First and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b are disposed adjacent to one another and are rotatable relative to one another about first axis "X1." In some embodiments, driven pulleys 122a, 122b may be in abutting relation to one another or in spaced apart relation to one another, along first axis "X1." As mentioned above, first driven pulley 122a supports jaw 102a and second driven pulley 122b supports jaw 102b such that jaws 102a, 102b rotate with driven pulleys 122a, 122b about first axis "X1."

0039Driven pulleys 122a, 122b have a circular configuration and each define a circumferential edge 126a, 126b. Circumferential edges 126a, 126b each define an arcuate channel or groove 128a, 128b extending along a circumference of each driven pulley 122a, 122b. Channel or groove 128a, 128b is configured for receipt of one of cables "C1," "C2," as described in further detail herein below. In embodiments, driven pulleys 122a, 122b are variously configured, such as, for example, oval, oblong, tapered, arcuate, uniform, non-uniform and/or variable.

0040First driven pulley 122a includes a first radial side 130a and a second radial side 132a each defining a semicircular portion of first driven pulley 122a, as demarcated by dotted line "L1" in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. First and second radial sides 130a, 132a each include one-half of circumferential edge 126a of first driven pulley 122a. Second driven pulley 122b includes a first radial side 130b and a second radial side 132b each defining a semicircular portion of second driven pulley 122b, as demarcated by dotted line "L2" in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. First and second radial sides 130b, 132b of second driven pulley 122b include one-half of circumferential edge 126b of second driven pulley 122b.

0041Pulley assembly 120 further includes a driving pulley 140, similar to first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b described herein above. Driving pulley 140 is spaced a lateral distance from first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b. Cable "C," connected to motor (Motor 1....n), may be wrapped at least once around driving pulley 140, in the manner of a capstan so as to not interfere with first and second cables "C1" "C2." Driving pulley 140 includes a central opening 141 formed therein. A second axis "X2" passes through central opening 141, is spaced a lateral distance from first axis "X1," and may run parallel to first axis "XI" in some instances. In other instances, the second axis "X2" may be offset from the first axis "XI" so that it runs at other non-parallel angles to the first axis "X1," such as perpendicular to the first axis.

0042Driving pulley 140 has a circular configuration and defines a circumferential edge 142. Circumferential edge 142 defines an arcuate channel or groove 144 extending along a circumference of driving pulley 140. Channel or groove 144 is configured for disposal of each of cables "C1," "C2." Driving pulley 140 includes a first radial side 146 and a second radial side 148 each defining a semicircular portion of driving pulley 140, as demarcated by dotted line "L3" in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. First and second radial sides 146, 148 each include one-half of circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140.

0043Driving pulley 140 supports an anchor member 150 attached to a proximal-most portion of circumferential edge 142. Anchor member 150 secures both cables "C1," "C2" to drive pulley 140 such that, as driving pulley 140 is rotated, cables "C1," "C2" move therewith. In embodiments, anchor member 150 may be a hook onto which cables "C1," "C2" are attached. In other embodiments, anchor member 150 may be a crimp that secures cables "C1" "C2" to circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140.

0044In use, a rotation of driving pulley 140 about second axis "X2" via motor (Motor 1...n) and cable "C" causes first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b to rotate, via cables "C1" "C2," in opposing directions about first axis "XI" to open or close first and second jaws 102a, 102b, which are attached thereto.

0045In an embodiment of the invention, pulley assembly 120 further includes a first cable "C1" and a second cable "C2." First cable "C1" and second cable "C2" each have a first end portion 160a, 160b, a second end portion 162a, 162b, and an intermediate portion or looped portion 164a, 164b. First and second cables "C1" "C2" are connected to first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b and driving pulley 140 such that first end portion 160a of first cable "C1" and second end portion 162b of second cable "C2" are substantially parallel, and first end portion 160b of second cable "C2" and second end portion 162a of first cable "C1" cross, as shown in <figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">FIGS 2-5</figref>.

0046First cable "C1" is secured by anchor member 150 of driving pulley 140 to a proximal-most portion of circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140 such that intermediate portion or looped portion 164a of first cable "C1" is fixedly engaged with a portion of circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140. Intermediate portion or looped portion 164a of first cable "C1" is connected to driving pulley 140 at a location off-set a radial distance from second axis "X2."

0047First end portion 160a of first cable "C1" is connected to a portion of circumferential edge 126a of first driven pulley 122a that is disposed on first radial side 130a of first driven pulley 122a. Second end portion 162a of first cable "C1" is connected to a portion of circumferential edge 126b of second driven pulley 122b that is disposed on second radial side 132b of second driven pulley 122b.

0048First end portion 160a of first cable "C1" is connected to first radial side 130a of first driven pulley 122a via an anchor member 180a. Second end portion 162a of first cable "C1" is connected to second radial side 132b of second driven pulley 122b via an anchor member 180b. Anchor members 180a, 180b are similar to anchor member 150 described above. Each anchor member 150, 180a, 180b can be the same or may be different. In this way, intermediate portion or looped portion 164a of first cable "C1" is wrapped around only first radial side 146 of driving pulley 140, as shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIGS. 3A</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">4, and 5</figref>.

0049Second cable "C2" is secured by anchor member 150 of driving pulley 140 to a proximal-most portion of circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140 such that intermediate portion or looped portion 164b of second cable "C2" is fixedly engaged with a portion of circumferential edge 142 of driving pulley 140. Intermediate portion or looped portion 164b of second cable "C2" is connected to driving pulley 140 at a location off-set a radial distance from second axis "X2." In this way, intermediate portions or looped portions 164a, 164b of first and second cables "C1," "C2" are connected to a common point of driving pulley 140.

0050First end portion 160b of second cable "C2" is connected to a portion of circumferential edge 126b of second driven pulley 122b that is disposed on first radial side 130b of second driven pulley 122b. Second end portion 162b of second cable "C2" is connected to a portion of circumferential edge 126a of first driven pulley 122a that is disposed on second radial side 132a of first driven pulley 122a.

0051First end portion 160b of second cable "C2" is connected to first radial side 130b of second driven pulley 122b via an anchor member 182a. Second end portion 162b of second cable "C2" is connected to second radial side 132a of first driven pulley 122a via an anchor member 182b. Anchor members 182a, 182b are similar to anchor member 150 described above. In this way, intermediate portion 164b of second cable "C2" is wrapped around only second radial side 148 of driving pulley 140, as shown in <figref idref="f0005 f0006">FIGS. 3-5</figref>.

0052In one embodiment, first cable "C1" includes two cables each having a first end connected to driving pulley 140 at a common point and a second end connected to first radial side 130a of first driven pulley 122a and second radial side 132b of second driven pulley 122b, respectively. In a further embodiment, second cable "C2" includes two cables each having a first end connected to driving pulley 140 at a common point and a second end connected to first radial side 130b of second driven pulley 122b and second radial side 132a of first driven pulley 122a, respectively.

0053In operation, motor (Motor 1...n) is energized to rotate and, in turn, drive a letting out or winding-up or a rotation of cable "C." As cable "C" is actuated, cable "C" drives the rotation of driving pulley 140 in one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. A rotation of driving pulley 140 in a first direction, indicated by arrow "A1" shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, about second axis "X2," rotates first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b via first cable "C1" about first axis "X1," in a direction indicated by arrows "A2," "A3" in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, respectively. During rotation of driving pulley 140 in the first direction, first cable "C1" is in a tensioned condition (shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>) and second cable "C2" is in a slack condition. For example, as driving pulley 140 is rotated in the first direction, intermediate portion 164a of first cable "C1" rotates with driving pulley 140 about second axis "X2." As intermediate portion 164a of first cable "C1" rotates, first end portion 160a of first cable "C1" is pulled towards driving pulley 140 and, in turn, drives a rotation of first driven pulley 122a in the same direction as the direction in which driving pulley 140 is rotating. Second end portion 162a of first cable "C1" is also pulled towards driving pulley 140 and, in turn, drives a rotation of second driven pulley 122b in an opposite direction as the direction in which driving pulley 140 is rotating. In this way, jaws 102a, 102b, which are attached to driven pulleys 122a, 122b, respectively, are opened about first axis "X1."

0054A rotation of driving pulley 140 in a second direction, indicated by arrow "B1" shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, rotates first and second driven pulleys 122a, 122b via second cable "C2" about first axis "X1," in a direction indicated by arrows "B2," "B3" in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>, respectively. During rotation of driving pulley 140 in the second direction, first cable "C1" is in a slack condition and second cable "C2" is in a tensioned condition (shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3A</figref>). For example, as driving pulley 140 is rotated in the second direction, intermediate portion 164b of second cable "C2" rotates with driving pulley 140 about second axis "X2." As intermediate portion 164b of second cable "C2" rotates, first end portion 160b of second cable "C2" is pulled towards driving pulley 140 and, in turn, drives a rotation of second driven pulley 122b in an opposite direction as the direction in which driving pulley 140 is rotating. Second end portion 162b of second cable "C2" is also pulled towards driving pulley 140 and, in turn, drives a rotation of first driven pulley 122a in the same direction in which driving pulley 140 is rotating. In this way, jaws 102a, 102b, which are attached to driven pulleys 122a, 122b, respectively, are closed about first axis "X1."

0055In a further example not forming part of the invention, as shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 6</figref>, an end effector 200, similar to end effector 100 described above with regard to <figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">FIGS. 2-5</figref>, is shown. End effector 200 includes a first jaw 202a and a second jaw 202b, similar to jaws 102a, 102b described above. First and second jaws 202a, 202b are each pivotable about a first axis (not shown). End effector 200 further includes a pulley assembly 220, similar to pulley assembly 120 described above. Pulley assembly 220 is disposed within end effector 200 for actuating jaws 202a, 202b of end effector 200.

0056Pulley assembly 220 includes a first driven pulley 222a, a second driven pulley 222b, a driving pulley 240, a first cable "C3," and a second cable "C4," similar to first driven pulley 122a, second driven pulley 122b, driving pulley 140, first cable "C1" and second cable "C2," respectively, described above. In accordance with the present embodiment, first cable "C3" and second cable "C4" may be in the form of a cable loop or the like.

0057First driven pulley 222a supports jaw 202a and second driven pulley 222b supports jaw 202b such that jaws 202a, 202b rotate with driven pulleys 222a, 222b about the first axis. Driven pulleys 222a, 222b have a circular configuration and each define a circumferential edge 226a, 226b configured for disposal or receipt of first and second cables "C3," "C4," respectively.

0058Driving pulley 240 is spaced a lateral distance from first and second driven pulleys 222a, 222b. Cable "C," connected to motor (Motor 1....n), may be wrapped at least once around driving pulley 240, in the manner of a capstan so as to not interfere with first and second cables "C3," "C4." Driving pulley 240 has a circular configuration and defines a circumferential edge 242 configured for disposal or receipt of each of cables "C3," "C4."

0059First cable "C3" is looped or wrapped about circumferential edge 242 of driving pulley 240 and circumferential edge 226a of first driven pulley 222a such that, a first half 260a and a second half 260b of cable "C3" are in parallel relation to one another. Second cable "C4" is looped or wrapped about circumferential edge 242 of driving pulley 240 and circumferential edge 226b of second driven pulley 222b such that, a first half 270a and a second half 270b of cable "C4" are in a criss-cross or figure-eight pattern.

0060In use, a rotation of driving pulley 240 via motor (Motor 1...n) and cable "C" causes first and second driven pulleys 222a, 222b to rotate, via cables "C3," "C4," in opposing directions to open or close first and second jaws 202a, 202b, which are attached thereto.

0061It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, while the driven pulleys disclosed herein have been shown and described as being connected to the proximal ends of the jaws, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure, for the driven pulleys to be operatively connected with the distal portion of the jaws. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended thereto.