Abstract: The present invention is a system for installing bioabsorbable plates for general bone repair, as for example, facial or cranial osteosynthesis. The present invention includes an improved plate and fastener system which reduces if not eliminates stresses within the plate. It also includes an improved fastener container and driver for handling and installing fasteners. The system employs a unique water bath for heating the bioabsorbable plate so they can be deformed to the contours of the bone being repaired. Additionally, there is a hand tool for localized heating and deformation of the plate when positioned against the bone to further ensure conformity with the bone structure. These and other features are contained within a kit which is easily sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for installing bioabsorbable plates for general bone repair, as for example, facial or cranial osteosynthesis. The present invention includes an improved plate and fastener system which reduces if not eliminates stresses within the plate. It also includes an improved fastener container and driver for handling and installing fasteners. The system employs a unique water bath for heating the bioabsorbable plate so they can be deformed to the contours of the bone being repaired. Additionally, there is a hand tool for localized heating and deformation of the plate when positioned against the bone to further ensure conformity with the bone structure. These and other features are contained within a kit which is easily sterilized.

Abstract: A chuck assembly (22) for releasably attaching a cutting accessory (23) to a rotary driven tool such as a surgical drill (20). The chuck assembly includes a chuck head (30) from which a drive spindle (36) extends rearwardly. Clamping jaws (34) extend from the front end of the chuck head to hold the cutting accessory in place. The chuck head, the drive spindle and the clamping jaws can rotate in unison about a common axis of rotation. Alternatively, the chuck head and the drive spindle can be rotated relative to each other around this common axis to lock and unlock the jaws. A spindle lock housing (41) is located between the chuck head and the drill to which the chuck head is attached. The drive spindle (36) extends through the spindle lock housing (41). A moveable switch (88) is mounted to the spindle lock housing (41). The switch can be positioned to engage the drive spindle to prevent rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A drill attachment (10) for decreasing the rotational speed/increasing the output torque of a cutting accessory (14) that is attached to a drill such as a surgical drill (10). The drill attachment has an input drive shaft (34) that is coupled to the drive shaft (16) of the drill to rotate in unison with the drill drive shaft. The input drive shaft rotates a set of axially fixed input planet gears (58). The input planet gears rotate a ring gear (66) that is fitted around the input planet gears. The ring gear rotates a set of axially fixed output planet gears (70). The planet gears rotate an output drive shaft (84). By the selective dimensioning of the drive shaft and gears the output speed/torque can be reduced and increased as desired.