Abstract: A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate connection of an instrument to the receiving member.

Abstract: The present invention is a nut-driving apparatus and method that comprises a shank with an embedded magnet mounted at the end and a spring-loaded socket mounted above the magnet, which when pulled, separates the socket from the magnet, releasing any attracted metal shavings to allow for easy cleaning.

Abstract: An instrument for selectively coupling with a pedicle screw is disclosed. The instrument includes an inner shaft, wherein the distal tip is configured to engage a pedicle screw and the proximal end configured to be selectively engaged with a knob, and a knob assembly configured to advance over the inner shaft, wherein the distal end is configured to engage the tulip of the pedicle screw and the proximal end is configured to selectively engage the inner shaft. A method for selectively coupling the instrument to a pedicle screw is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one handed operable tool configured for the positioning and fixed installation of fastening elements in space restricted areas and particularly anchoring clips for kitchen sinks. The tool comprises manipulable elements for securely holding a fixture or fastener, and aligning the fixture or fastener with previously installed elements and driving elements in proper orientation for effecting a secure properly positioned connection between a fixture or fastener with the previously installed elements.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided having first and second threaded portions of different diameter separated by a middle portion that is unthreaded so that the bone screw may be inserted into a pair of adjacent bone fragments and used to compress the fragments together by driving the screw into a hole drilled in the fragments. An installation tool is also disclosed for threadably engaging one end of the bone screw and is used to initially drive the screw into the bone hole. Thereafter, a screwdriver may be inserted through the tool and into engagement with a recess in the bone screw and may be used to drive the screw fully into the bone and to separate the bone screw from the installation tool. A method of installation is further provided.

Abstract: A revolving screwdriver with ratchet structure includes a handle, a pushing rod, and a sliding member. The sliding member has a receiving space and a holding chamber defined therein. A revolving cylinder is received in the holding chamber. The receiving space receives at least one ratchet wheel, two rotators, a limiting member, a base, and an adjuster. The at least one ratchet wheel engages with a driving shaft. The rotators selectively engage with the at least one ratchet wheel. The limiting member locates between the rotators and has a protrusion formed thereon. A base has a first guiding slot defined therein. The adjuster has a driving hole defined therein. The protrusion passes through the first guiding slot and the driving hole for being driven by the adjuster and moving along the first guiding slot.

Abstract: A device includes a tubular element, and a cutter spring-biased relative to the tubular element. In an unloaded configuration the cutter is displaced relative to the tubular element by a displacement distance, and when the cutter is in a loaded configuration the displacement distance is reduced. A first structure is longitudinally fixed relative to the cutter and rotationally engaged relative to the tubular element. A length of the first structure extends proximally in the unloaded configuration. A second structure is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first structure. In the loaded configuration, a driver engages and rotates both the first and second structures, and thus the tubular element and cutter together. Once the cutter breaks through the bone, the cutter spring-biased into the unloaded configuration, resulting in disengagement of the first structure from the driver to prevent rotation of either the tubular element or the cutter.

Abstract: In the present invention, a fastener drive-starter includes a primary shaft having a hollow drive end, a drive tip within the drive end, and a spring mounted within the primary shaft biasing the drive tip toward the drive end. A releasable fastener-locking mechanism is attached to the primary shaft. A tightening member is movably mounted to the primary shaft and is movable between a first position wherein the locking mechanism is open and a second position wherein the locking mechanism is closed toward the fastener shaft at the head. The fastener is secured to the driver by pressing the fastener on the drive tip to compress the spring, moving the tightening member into its second position, and releasing the fastener such that the spring-biased drive tip presses the shaft-transverse undersurface of the fastener head against the cross-portions of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.

Abstract: An attachment for drivers of screw type fasteners for releasably holding the fastener in place at the end thereof for inserting or removing. The attachment comprises a shaft collar, a spring, and a grasper, the grasper comprising an upper and a lower guide ferrule, joined concentrically by a pair of supports, and extending parallel from the lower ferrule a plurality of flexible fingers, each having at its distal end an inward facing detent that is substantially fulcrum shaped. The collar and spring are inserted between the ferrules, with the collar abutting the upper, the spring abutting the lower and the collar. A driver is inserted through the ferrules, collar, and spring until the tip is just shy of the detents, and the collar is then affixed to the driver shaft. A screw head is forced past the detents, the fingers yielding, and brought into proper contact with the driver tip, the fingers flexing back such that the detents hold the screw firmly to the driver.

Abstract: A friction stir rivet is rotated and driven through a first fusible workpiece into an engaged second fusible workpiece, causing local portions of the first and second workpieces to plasticize. A slideable cap contacts the exposed surface of the first workpiece shortly after the process begins. The contact causes the cap to act as a retaining element, limiting the escape of plasticized material from stir site. Once the rivet is driven into the first and second workpieces, rotation ceases and the plasticized material hardens around the rivet. A weld is thus created, joining the workpieces and encompassing the rivet, which provides additional mechanical strength.

Abstract: Clamp for screwed fastening member, including: a main body formed with an internal axial passage; a rod body connected with the main body; two clamping members each having a bottom clamping end, the clamping members being pivotally disposed on the main body and movable to open or close the clamping ends thereof; and a predetermined number of pressing member disposed between the clamping members and the main body for forcedly pressing the clamping members and making the clamping ends thereof extend into the passage and close to clamp an article. A screwed fastening member can be positioned in the main body and clamped by the clamping members, whereby the clamp can be rotated to drive and screw the screwed fastening member.

Abstract: A fastener holding device is designed for use with power or hand tools. The device securely engages a fastener, such as a screw, and automatically disengages the fastener when the device is pushed against a work surface. The device includes a driving bit assembly which has a socket on one end for holding a driving bit and has a polygonally shaped portion on the other end for mounting in a power drill. The device further includes a retaining member adapted to be placed on the driving bit assembly and a sleeve member adapted to be placed on the retaining member. The position of the sleeve member in relation to the retaining member allows the fastener to be either engaged or disengaged with respect to the driving bit.

Abstract: A fastener holding device is designed for use with power or hand tools. The device securely engages a fastener, such as a screw, and automatically disengages the fastener when the device is pushed against a work surface. The device includes a driving bit assembly which has a socket on one end for holding a driving bit and has a polygonally shaped portion on the other end for mounting in a power drill. The device further includes a retaining member adapted to be placed on the driving bit assembly and a sleeve member adapted to be placed on the retaining member. The retaining member can be equipped with various engaging assemblies, such as brackets, bearings and pins, to securely engage the fastener. The position of the sleeve member in relation to the retaining member allows the fastener to be either engaged or disengaged with respect to the driving bit.

Abstract: A screwdriver comprising a handle having a sleeve mounted on the blade thereof for releasably fastening a screw head retainer socket to secure the device to a screw to be fastened or loosened. The handle is comprised of two sections which are permitted to rotate against each other.

Abstract: The invention is intended for use with threaded fasteners, screws, bolts and similar devices, in their almost limitless applications to assembling objects and structures. These fasteners exist in many types, each requiring a special tool bit.On many occasions screws or other fasteners must be installed or removed in locations difficult of access and of which clear view may not be obtained, also where use of two hands is not possible. This invention is particularly intended for these situations.The invention comprises basically a combination of a barrel (11 or 811) and collar (20 or 201), preferably made of stiff but flexible plastic, which fit over and enclose a tool for threaded fasteners, either with a fixed bit or one which can accept insertable bits. The barrel (11) provides at its working or tip end a set of flexible elements (31) which act to grip screw heads and hold them registered with the tool.