#$%^&*AU2011221417B220130530.pdf#####FORCEPS WITH SPRING LOADED END EFFECTOR ASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A vessel or tissue sealing instrument (10), comprising a handle assembly (18) having an elongated shaft (12) extending therefrom, the shaft (12) movable relative to the handle assembly (18) by an actuator (20), an end effector assembly (100) attached to a distal end of the shaft (12), the end effector assembly (100) having first and second jaw members (110, 120) movable about a pivot from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for clamping tissue, wherein each of the jaw members (110, 120) includes an insulative outer housing (124) having an electrically conductive, inwardly-facing tissue contacting surface (112), a proximal flange (130) having at least one camming surface (134, 144) disposed proximal to the pivot (219), the proximal flange (130) including a spring-like tail (235, 245) that mounts within the distal end of the elongated shaft (12) to bias the jaw members (110, 120) in an open configuration, wherein a proximal portion of the spring-like tail (235, 245) is biased radially outward within the distal end of the elongated shaft (12) and wherein the proximal flange (130) cooperates with the distal end of the elongated shaft (12) to provide a clamping pressure to effectively seal tissue upon application of electrosurgical energy, the actuator (20) movable relative to the handle (28) to actuate the elongated shaft (12) from a first position wherein the elongated shaft (12) remains proximal to the proximal flanges (130) of the jaw members (110, 120) and the jaw members (110, 120) are biased in an open configuration to at least one subsequent position wherein the distal end of the elongated shaft (12) cams the proximal flanges (130) to pivot the jaw members (110, 120) toward the second position to clamp tissue. 5581278-1:EEB
