# Connecting Surgical Tools with Rotational-to-Linear Motion Adapters > This patent describes a system for connecting surgical tools, specifically an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument, by converting rotational motion into linear motion for precise control. - **Patent:** US 12733934 - **Original title:** Adapter, extension, and connector assemblies for surgical devices - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** medical_devices, surgical_instruments, robotics, mechanical ## What it does This patent provides an assembly for linking an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument. It includes an adapter assembly with first and second pusher assemblies that change rotational spinning into straight-line movement. A drive member within the adapter helps transfer this rotational motion. The assembly also features an extension assembly, which uses flexible bands to carry the straight-line movement from the adapter. Additionally, a trocar assembly within the extension also converts rotational motion into linear motion, ensuring precise control of the surgical tool. For example, this system could allow a surgeon to rotate a control knob on a handle, and have that rotation precisely translate into a forward or backward movement of a tiny cutting or grasping tool at the tip of a long, thin instrument. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover surgical device connections that only use purely mechanical linkages without converting rotational motion to linear motion. - Does not cover systems for connecting non-electrosurgical instruments where the specific rotational-to-linear conversion mechanisms (pusher assemblies, flexible band assemblies, trocar assembly) are absent. - Does not cover assemblies where linear motion is generated directly without an intermediate rotational input. - Does not cover connections for surgical tools that do not involve an 'end effector' being attached to an 'electrosurgical instrument' as described. - Does not cover systems that transfer motion solely through rigid rods or cables without the described flexible band assembly. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the specific combination of adapter and extension assemblies that efficiently convert rotational input into precise linear output, especially using flexible band assemblies for motion transfer and a trocar assembly for additional rotational-to-linear conversion, all within a compact system for surgical tools. ## Real-world examples 1. Laparoscopic surgical instruments 2. Robotic surgical systems 3. Endoscopic tools for biopsies 4. Minimally invasive surgical devices ## Why it matters In surgery, especially minimally invasive procedures, precise control over instruments is critical. This patent addresses the challenge of transmitting complex movements from a surgeon's hand to a tiny tool inside the body. By converting rotational motion to linear motion, it allows for fine adjustments and controlled actions, which can improve patient outcomes and enable more complex procedures. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Connecting Surgical Tools with Rotational-to-Linear Motion Adapters cover? This patent describes a system for connecting surgical tools, specifically an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument, by converting rotational motion into linear motion for precise control. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? In surgery, especially minimally invasive procedures, precise control over instruments is critical. This patent addresses the challenge of transmitting complex movements from a surgeon's hand to a tiny tool inside the body. By converting rotational motion to linear motion, it allows for fine adjustments and controlled actions, which can improve patient outcomes and enable more complex procedures. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover surgical device connections that only use purely mechanical linkages without converting rotational motion to linear motion. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733934/adapter-extension-and-connector-assemblies-for-surgical-devices **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12733934 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Surgical Tool with Flexible, Articulating, and Rotating End Effectors](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10736702/activating-and-rotating-surgical-end-effectors) — This patent describes a surgical tool with a flexible tip that can bend in multiple directions and also twist, allowing surgeons to precisely control instruments like graspers and cutters inside the body. - [How a Robotic Surgical Tool Clamps Tissue Manually and Automatically](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11786761/ultrasonic-robotic-tool-actuation) — This patent describes a surgical tool for robotic operations that can clamp tissue using a motor-driven yoke, but also allows a surgeon to manually control the clamping action. - [Testing and Calibrating Surgical Instrument Tips with Built-in Alignment Features](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733950/end-effector-assembly-instrument-system-and-method-facilitating-testing) — This patent describes a special design for the tip of a surgical tool, called an end effector, that includes features to help correctly position it for testing and calibration. - [How a Surgical Robot Attaches Tools and Stays Sterile](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12127807/surgical-system-instrument-mounting) — Intuitive Surgical's patent details a robotic surgical system that securely mounts medical instruments, transfers precise movements, and ensures sterility through a unique rotating drape mechanism. - [How Surgical Tools Give Haptic Feedback Near Operation Limits](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12402879/surgical-instrument-having-force-feedback-capabilities) — This patent describes a surgical instrument that uses a motor to move a tool, continuously tracking its position and providing a tactile vibration or haptic feedback to the surgeon as the tool approaches the end of its movement, improving precision and safety.