A reusable surgical implement or template is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes. The enclosure can also be preformed and the core inserted and secured within the enclosure using an adhesive to form the implement in an alternative manner.
A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided. The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
B25G 1/10 - Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
B29C 45/16 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
A securing mechanism is provided for a tool that allows for the attachment and release of the shafts of a variety of implements from the tool. The mechanism has a construction that provides an easily releasable, but secure engagement of the implement shaft within the mechanism while also having an alignment feature which engages the implement at multiple locations when engaged with the mechanism to maintain the alignment and concentricity of the implement shaft with regard to the mechanism and the tool when in use.
A securing mechanism is provided for a tool that allows for the attachment and release of the shafts of a variety of implements from the tool. The mechanism has a construction that provides an easily releasable, but secure engagement of the implement shaft within the mechanism while also having an alignment feature which engages the implement at multiple locations when engaged with the mechanism to maintain the alignment and concentricity of the implement shaft with regard to the mechanism and the tool when in use.
A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes.
A61B 17/16 - Instruments for performing osteoclasisDrills or chisels for bonesTrepans
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
B32B 3/02 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 45/16 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
A fastener driving device including an elongate shaft extending between the driving head and the handle is provided that has a torque limiting mechanism disposed partially within the handle and extending through the elongate shaft into engagement with the driving head. The torque limiting mechanism enables the driving head to drive the fastener into the substrate without exerting more than a predetermined maximum torque on the fastener, thereby avoiding damage from being done to the fastener and/or the substrate. A ratcheting mechanism is disposed within a torque gear of the torque limiting mechanism to provide a ratcheting function to the tool with a small profile for the tool.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a housing engaged with the body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit. The housing for the electronics unit can be formed to be a single use component of the tool or can be designed for multiple uses with a configuration that can be engaged with cradles forming the body of the wrench having various different configurations.
B25B 23/14 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
B25B 15/04 - Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle with ratchet action
B25H 3/00 - Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work, tools or instruments
B25B 21/00 - Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening toolsAttachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable flexible material to enable the implement, which can be any suitable device such as a reusable surgical trial implant, rod template or flex driver, among others, to be bent to conform to the desired shape for an actual implant to be placed in the location of the implement. The material forming the enclosure is also flexible to accommodate the flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implement to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures.
A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable flexible material to enable the implement, which can be any suitable device such as a reusable surgical trial implant, rod template or flex driver, among others, to be bent to conform to the desired shape for an actual implant to be placed in the location of the implement. The material forming the enclosure is also flexible to accommodate the flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implement to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures.
A torque wrench is provided that includes a force measuring mechanism that enables the wrench to display the force exerted by the wrench and to perform a check of the calibration of the force measuring mechanism. The mechanism can perform the calibration check and can provide feedback to the user regarding the need, if any, for the calibration of the force sensing mechanism prior to further use of the device.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
G01L 25/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring force, torque, work, mechanical power, or mechanical efficiency
G01L 5/24 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for determining value of torque or twisting moment for tightening a nut or other member which is similarly stressed
A shaft securing mechanism is provided that includes pins, bearings or other securing members that are biased inwardly at an angle with respect to the axis of the shaft being engaged by the mechanism. The angled orientation of the engagement of the pins with the shaft enables the pins to more securely hold the shaft relative to the handle without significant slop or play in the lateral or longitudinal directions. The mechanism also includes a tapered inner surface to increase the ease of alignment of the shaft with the mechanism, which allows the shaft to be engaged with the handle by only pressing and rotating the shaft into the mechanism within the handle.
A tool including selectively operable torque-limiting mechanism is provided. The tool includes a housing, a torque-limiting mechanism disposed within the housing and including a first gear engaged with the housing and including a number of first recesses, a second gear rotatably disposed within the housing adjacent the first gear and including a number of second recesses, a number of bearings disposed between the first gear and the second gear partially within the first recesses and partially within the second recesses, and a variable force-applying assembly engaged with the first gear opposite the second gear, a drive body engaged with the second gear and extending outwardly from the housing, and a cover disposed around the housing and selectively engaged with the drive body to control the operation of the torque-limiting mechanism.
B25B 23/157 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers having torque controlled clutch-type arrangements
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
B25B 23/14 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
B25B 21/00 - Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening toolsAttachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose
B25B 15/02 - Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a housing engaged with the body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit. The housing for the electronics unit can be formed to be a single use component of the tool or can be designed for multiple uses with a configuration that can be engaged with cradles forming the body of the wrench having various different configurations.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
B25B 21/00 - Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening toolsAttachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose
B25B 15/04 - Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle with ratchet action
B25H 3/00 - Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work, tools or instruments
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes.
A61B 17/16 - Instruments for performing osteoclasisDrills or chisels for bonesTrepans
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 45/16 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
B32B 1/04 - Layered products essentially having a general shape other than plane characterised by feature of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
B32B 3/02 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
B29K 83/00 - Use of polymers having silicon, with or without sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen or carbon only, in the main chain, as moulding material
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers, e.g. stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
B32B 15/06 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of rubber
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
A handle for a tool is provided that is formed of a core positioned within a sleeve of a temperature resistant material to form a handle with a space between the core and the sleeve. The core can be formed by machining a metal material while the sleeve and an optional skin positioned on the sleeve can be molded. The materials forming the sleeve and skin, and the space formed between the core and sleeve, create a handle that can be adapted to form a variety of different tools with different mechanisms located in the core that also has improved heat transfer characteristics for sterilization purposes.
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
B25G 1/10 - Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
A handle for a tool is provided that is formed of a core positioned within a sleeve of a temperature resistant material to form a handle with a space between the core and the sleeve. The core can be formed by machining a metal material while the sleeve and an optional skin positioned on the sleeve can be molded. The materials forming the sleeve and skin, and the space formed between the core and sleeve, create a handle that can be adapted to form a variety of different tools with different mechanisms located in the core that also has improved heat transfer characteristics for sterilization purposes.
B25G 1/10 - Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided. The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.
B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
B25G 1/10 - Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 45/16 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The electronics unit is also disposed within a barrier in the body that isolates the unit from the exterior environment around the wrench. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
B25B 23/14 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided. The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.
B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
B25G 1/10 - Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 45/16 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a housing engaged with the body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit. The housing for the electronics unit can be formed to be a single use component of the tool or can be designed for multiple uses with a configuration that can be engaged with cradles forming the body of the wrench having various different configurations.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
B25B 15/04 - Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle with ratchet action
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a housing engaged with the body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit. The housing f or the electronics unit can be formed to be a single use component of the tool or can be designed for multiple uses with a configuration that can be engaged with cradles forming the body of the wrench having various different configurations.
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The electronics unit is also disposed within a barrier in the body that isolates the unit from the exterior environment around the wrench. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit.
B25B 23/142 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
B25B 23/14 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member. The locking member can be engaged with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. The locking member can be moved with regard to the gear mechanism to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.
A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The electronics unit is also disposed within a barrier in the body that isolates the unit from the exterior environment around the wrench. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit.
B25B 23/144 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers wherein the work-contacting component pivots or rotates relative to the handle when a selected torque is exceeded having an electrical device activated by the pivotal or rotational movement which emits a signal when the selected torque is exceeded
A securing mechanism is provided for a tool that allows for the attachment and release of the shafts of a variety of implements from the tool. The mechanism has a construction that provides an easily releasable, but secure engagement of the implement shaft within the mechanism while also having an alignment feature which engages the implement at multiple locations when engaged with the mechanism to maintain the alignment and concentricity of the implement shaft with regard to the mechanism and the tool when in use.
This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member. The locking member can be engaged with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. The locking member can be moved with regard to the gear mechanism to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.
A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided. The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.
B25B 23/143 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers wherein the work-contacting component pivots or rotates relative to the handle when a selected torque is exceeded
A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by teeth disposed on each gear and by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired. The use of the ball bearings as the engagement members between the fixed gear and the slip gear provides a smooth transition between positions when the slip gear rotates with respect to the fixed gear, and greatly reduces the amount of friction forces acting on the torque-limiting mechanism, such that the force controlling the operation of the mechanism is solely provided by the springs and easily predictable and controllable. Further, the teeth, due to the angled locking surfaces formed in the teeth, enable the gears to only rotate with respect to one another in one direction.
