(19)
(11) EP 1 522 264 B8

(12) CORRECTED EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
Note: Bibliography reflects the latest situation

(15) Correction information:
Corrected version no 1 (W1 B1)

(48) Corrigendum issued on:
21.06.2017 Bulletin 2017/25

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
05.04.2017 Bulletin 2017/14

(21) Application number: 04254096.3

(22) Date of filing: 08.07.2004
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61B 17/072(2006.01)
A61B 17/32(2006.01)
 A61B 17/29(2006.01)

(54)

Surgical stapling instrument incorporating a tapered firing bar for increased flexibility around the articulation joint

Chirurgisches Klammernahtgerät mit konischem Auslösestab für erhöte Flexibilität um die Gelenkkupplung

Agrafeuse chirurgicale présentant une barre de déclenchement conique pour en augmenter la flexibilité dans la zone du joint d'articulation

(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 09.07.2003 US 615974

(43) Date of publication of application:
13.04.2005 Bulletin 2005/15

(73) Proprietor: Ethicon LLC
00969 Guaynabo (PR)

(72) Inventors:
  • Shelton, Frederick E.
    Hillsboro, OH 45133 (US)
  • Setser, Michael Earl
    Burlington, KY 41005 (US)
  • Weisenburgh, William Bruce
    Maineville, OH 45039 (US)

(74) Representative: Tunstall, Christopher Stephen et al
Carpmaels & Ransford LLP One Southampton Row
London WC1B 5HA
London WC1B 5HA (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
DE-A1- 19 520 717
US-A- 5 507 772
US-A1- 2003 028 207
 US-A- 4 646 745
US-A- 5 797 536
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).