Abstract: A lethal projectile for immobilizing a target is capable of self-separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher and may release a payload prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of launch on the projectile. A magazine may hold a plurality of projectiles and the various projectiles of the magazine may each be configured to open specified distances and/or times after launch. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met.

Abstract: A nonlethal projectile includes a payload for immobilizing and/or identifying a target. The projectile is capable of separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the payload prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a specified distance from the launcher. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. A magazine or breech assembly of the launcher may energize the projectile prior to launch of the projectile.

Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus for launching a projectile, such as a pellet, a BB bullet, an arrow, a dart and a paintball includes a linear motion converter driven by a motor, a piston coupled to the linear motion converter and reciprocally movable within a cylinder, a gas spring and a breech assembly. The piston compresses a gas within the cylinder, after which the compressed gas expands in the barrel of the breech assembly for launching the projectile. Breech assembly includes a breech, a bolt, and bolt barrel cam, which rotate with the gas spring to allow a projectile to enter the breech and then to seal the bolt in the breech before the gas spring releases its stored energy to launch the projectile. In another embodiment, the bolt is coupled with a magnet instead of a cam.

Abstract: A fastener driving device includes a fastener and at least one gas spring. Additionally, the fastener driving device includes a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being capable of selectively engaging and disengaging the at least one gas spring, the at least one gas spring capable of moving to an energized position upon being engaged by the drive mechanism. Additionally, the device includes an anvil, wherein the drive mechanism includes a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism, wherein the first lifting mechanism actuates the at least one gas spring for a portion of an operation cycle, and the second lifting mechanism thereafter actuates the at least one gas spring for a subsequent portion of the operation cycle before the drive mechanism ceases applying a force on the at least one gas spring and the at least one gas spring releases a portion of its potential energy and accelerates the anvil to drive a fastener.

Abstract: A fastener driving device includes a fastener and at least one gas spring. Additionally, the fastener driving device includes a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being capable of selectively engaging and disengaging the at least one gas spring, the at least one gas spring capable of moving to an energized position upon being engaged by the drive mechanism. Additionally, the device includes an anvil, wherein the drive mechanism includes a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism, wherein the first lifting mechanism actuates the at least one gas spring for a portion of an operation cycle, and the second lifting mechanism thereafter actuates the at least one gas spring for a subsequent portion of the operation cycle before the drive mechanism ceases applying a force on the at least one gas spring and the at least one gas spring releases a portion of its potential energy and accelerates the anvil to drive a fastener.

Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus for launching a projectile, such as a pellet, a BB bullet, an arrow, a dart and a paintball includes a linear motion converter driven by a motor, a piston coupled to the linear motion converter and reciprocally movable within a cylinder, a gas spring and a breech assembly. The piston compresses a gas within the cylinder, after which the compressed gas expands in the barrel of the breech assembly for launching the projectile. Breech assembly includes a breech, a bolt, and bolt barrel cam, which rotate with the gas spring to allow a projectile to enter the breech and then to seal the bolt in the breech before the gas spring releases its stored energy to launch the projectile. In another embodiment, the bolt is coupled with a magnet instead of a cam.

Abstract: An electrically driven orthopedic impactor may include an adapter for interfacing between the orthopedic impactor and a surgical implement. The adapter may have a first surface that transmits a forward impact energy and a second surface that transmits a reverse impact energy. The adapter can connect to the surgical implement and to the orthopedic impactor without the use of external tools. The adapter may connect to the orthopedic impactor via a pushing motion and may disconnect from the orthopedic impactor via a reciprocal sleeve. A sensor can communicate a spatial orientation of the adapter with respect to at least one reference point that is not located on the adapter or the orthopedic impactor. A communication device may transmit information to the orthopedic impactor related to frequency or impact energy settings based on a type of surgical implement attached to the adapter.

Abstract: A nonlethal projectile includes a debilitating material for immobilizing a target. The projectile is capable of self-separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the debilitating material prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of launch on the projectile. A magazine may hold a plurality of projectiles and the various projectiles of the magazine may be configured to open at different distances and/or times after launch. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. The debilitating material may also be released through pores in the projectile.

Abstract: A nonlethal projectile includes a debilitating material for immobilizing a target. The projectile is capable of self-separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the debilitating material prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of launch on the projectile. A magazine may hold a plurality of projectiles and the various projectiles of the magazine may be configured to open at different distances and/or times after launch. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. The debilitating material may also be released through pores in the projectile.

Abstract: An impacting apparatus includes a spring anvil assembly and a drive mechanism that alternatively engages a the spring anvil assembly to actuate the spring anvil assembly to store potential energy in the spring anvil assembly, and which drive mechanism alternatively disengages the spring anvil assembly to allow the spring anvil assembly to launch and accelerate toward an impact target to deliver impact energy from the spring anvil assembly to the impact target. In an embodiment, the spring anvil assembly is biased to a start position by one of the impact target and the weight of the apparatus. The spring anvil assembly may comprise a gas spring or a spring, for example. The apparatus is capable of delivering multiple impacts to an impact target.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus featuring at least one gas spring and a drive mechanism, comprising a plurality of lifters, for selectively engaging and disengaging said at least one gas spring to energize the gas spring. The lifters the gas spring to energize the gas spring and thereafter release the gas spring, wherein the gas spring releases a portion of its potential energy and accelerates an anvil to engage a fastener. The lifters may engage the gas spring at the same time for a portion of the operational cycle of the apparatus, and the operational cycle may include an intermediate stopping point, which after resumption of a lifter on the gas spring after the stopping point, a relatively small increase of energy in the gas spring thereafter is required to generate a sufficient energy in the gas spring to effectively drive a fastener.

Abstract: A nonlethal projectile includes a debilitating material for immobilizing a target. The projectile is capable of self-separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the debilitating material prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of launch on the projectile. A magazine may holds a plurality of projectiles and the various projectiles of the magazine may be configured to open at different distances and/or times after launch. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. The debilitating material may also be released through pores in the projectile.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, a linear motion converter, an air chamber, a compression piston, an impacting element, an anvil element, and a broach adapter. The compression piston may cause the impacting element to apply controlled force on a broach adapter to create a precise opening for subsequently disposing a prosthesis in a patient. The tool may further comprise a detent for holding the impacting element in a position until a sufficient pressure is applied to release the impacting element. The tool allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of the broach and tool from the opening. A force adjustment control of the tool allows a user to increase or decrease the impact force. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.