Abstract: A surgical instrument for implanting a bone fastener is provided. The surgical instrument comprises an elongated body having a frangible region and a distal end adjacent to the frangible region. The distal end of the surgical instrument is configured to engage the bone fastener. The bone fastener is less frangible than the frangible region of the elongated body of the surgical instrument. Kits and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw insert has a body configured to engage a threaded fastener and transmit a torque to the threaded fastener, a separable head connected to the body and a neck extending between body and the separable head. The neck is configured to break causing the separable head to separate from the body in response to a torque applied to the separable head exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A torque limiting tool is described. The tool comprises a torque limiting mechanism that drives a shank about a rotational axis. The torque limiting mechanism comprises a plurality of opposed first and second gears having a plurality of outwardly extending first and second gear prongs. The plurality of first and second gear prongs extends outwardly at an inclined angle along an intermediate prong portion from a prong proximal end positioned along the disc sidewall surface to a prong distal portion. Each of the prong distal portions comprises a plateau portion that extends about parallel with the disc sidewall surface and resides at a distance away from the sidewall surface of the respective first and second discs. The mechanism is constructed such that toque is transferred therebetween when the respective intermediate portions of the opposed first and second prongs are in physical contact.

Abstract: A fortified plastic disposable driver having a plastic generally conical nose with a top and bottom, the bottom formed as part of or affixed to the flat top of a body and the top of the nose having a square channel guide with corners, is disclosed. The channel accepts a tool or shaft. At 90 degree orientation from each other are four pairs of force buttressing ribs wherein they have a bottom affixed at said flat top, and each has a support edge affixed to an annular outer wall of the nose. The four pairs of ribs, each pair being positioned along one of the four sides of the square channel. In some instances, each rib further comprises an interior edge and an outer edge, and each outer edge is aligned with a corner. A body and/or handle are used therewith to impart torque for use.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.

Abstract: A torque limiting engine rotation tool for rotating a crankshaft of an engine, where the engine rotation tool is configured to be operated with a socket wrench or non-impacting tool and is configured to engage an accessory drive pulley bolt or any other bolt that causes the crankshaft to rotate, includes a socket body. The socket body has a driving portion coupled to a bolt-torquing portion with a shear pin. A receiving recess is defined by the driving portion and is configured to receive the socket wrench or non-impacting tool. A female socket recess is defined by the bolt-torquing portion and is configured to engage the bolt. The amount of torque applied by the socket wrench or non-impacting tool to the bolt is limited by the shear strength of the shear pin.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque.

Abstract: A torque adjustable sleeve assembly includes a first part with first teeth in the first end thereof and a second part has one end inserted into the first end of the first part. The second part includes second teeth which are engaged with the first teeth. A rod passes through the first and second parts and two springs are mounted to the rod and located in the two parts respectively. A movable member is threadedly connected to an end of the rod and adjusts the compression of the two springs to adjust an engaging force between the first and second teeth. The second part includes a driving hole to be connected with a tool bit or screw unit. The second part is made of plastic material so as to protect the tool bit or the screw unit to be tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A torque-limiting fastener driver for driving a bone fastener into bone includes a handle supporting a driver shaft. The driver shaft includes limited components which are designed to provide feedback to a user regarding the applied torsional force. In addition, the driver shaft is designed to controllably fail before any potential uncontrolled failure of the distal driving tip. This prevents application of too much torque and controlled design of the shape and size of the failed components.

Abstract: A torque limiting driver for applying up to a maximum torque to an associated driven member. In one embodiment, the driver includes first and second rotatable members with proximal and distal ends. A torque limiting assembly may be operatively coupling the distal end of the first rotatable member with the proximal end of the second rotatable member. The torque limiting assembly may include a plurality of torque limiting devices that are arranged to sequentially uncouple the second rotatable member from a torque load applied to the first rotatable member when the torque load exceeds the preselected maximum torque.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque-limiting tool which includes a central cam having a receiver component, at least one cam holder component surrounding the central cam, propelled by a driving member or a tool handle, wherein the cam holder component includes first portions that substantially complement an external surface of the central cam and at least two second portions providing space for rotation of the cam holder component relative to the central cam, and at least one connection controlling element around the cam holder component having a bending strength to enable the cam holder component positioned to interact with the movement of the cam holder component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque connecting mechanism, which comprises a connecting rod with a continuous indicating part and a strength control part, the indicating part and strength control part are implemented at a location where torque strength or other stress is easy to be concentrated. The indicating part extends along the axis of the connecting rod. A stop part is implemented on the connecting rod, and strength indicating mechanisms are provided on both sides of the stop part, a lock ring is utilized to make a rotation handle stay securely around the connecting rod. The rotation handle has a base line for coinciding with a base point on the driving end of the connecting rod, which makes the base line of the rotation handle become another strength indicating mechanism of the stop part of the connecting rod. So it is easy to notice the condition of the deformation on the connecting rod whether the rotation handle is mounted on or detached from the connecting rod.

Abstract: Fastening devices and apparatuses for providing an appropriate amount of torque in a fastening system. Particularly, fastening devices and apparatuses configured to inform a user when an appropriate amount of torque as been used when fastening the fastening device to a designated object.

Abstract: A driver has components that are easily disassembled for cleaning and/or sterilization. Once disassembled, the limited number of components allows for easy reassembly. The driver utilizes a cam that rides on spring fingers for determining the level of producible torque that the driver can produce. The cam and spring fingers are contained in a housing. Particularly, the spring fingers are part of a finger housing that is key lockable with the housing when assembled for movement as one unit. The cam is integral with a driver shaft and is received within the finger housing. The cam and driver shaft are limitedly rotatable with respect to the finger housing. The level of producible torque may be changed by providing cams and/or spring fingers of various dimensions. The driver is torque-limiting in one direction (tightening) and essentially non torque-limiting in the opposite direction (loosening). The various components are also large enough to be easily handled reducing the chance of lost components.

Abstract: A hand tool rotatable about an axis and having a handle and a bit in alignment along the axis. A plurality of inserts are available for individual placement between the handle and the bit for controlling torque transmitted by the tool. The insert can provide for limited or unlimited torque, in accord with the construction of the individual insert. The insert is replaceable relative to the tool.

Abstract: A tool is used to limit the torque applied to tighten the threaded connection of prosthesis components placed in skeletal bones, for example dental implants. The device had a handle, a retaining screw, a single use torque limiting shear pin and a drive shaft. The handle has a tapered counter sunk cross bore with left handed threads to allow installation of a drive shaft which engages a torque limiting shear pin which, in turn, engages a left hand threaded retaining screw. The drive shaft extends from the handle to engage any threaded fastener that has a head that corresponds to the drive shaft end. The drive shaft and the shear zone of the shear pin are completely isolated within the wrench handle so that all rotational force is utilized in the actual shearing of the shear pin to a torque accuracy of ±0.3 Ncm, approximately.

Abstract: A one-time use frangible socket used in combination with a ratchet, pneumatic or hydraulic device, to tighten a bolt, nut or any screw type fastener with a head and threads. The frangible socket has an upper portion for receiving the ratchet, pneumatic or hydraulic device, a lower portion for gripping the head of a bolt, nut or any screw type fastener and a frangible middle portion having a plurality of splines that connect the upper portion and the lower portion together. These splines break at a specified torsion force placed on the frangible socket from the ratchet, pneumatic or hydraulic device, which prevents the ratchet, pneumatic or hydraulic device from stripping the threads on the bolt, nut or any screw type fastener.

Abstract: A tool is used to limit the torque applied to tighten the threaded connection of prosthesis components placed in skeletal bones, for example dental implants. The device has a handle, a retaining screw, a single use torque limiting shear pin and a drive shaft. The handle has a tapered counter sunk cross bore with left handed threads to allow installation of a drive shaft which engages a torque limiting shear pin which, in turn, engages a left hand threaded retaining screw. The drive shaft extends from the handle to engage any threaded fastener that has a head that corresponds to the drive shaft end. The drive shaft and the shear zone of the shear pin are completely isolated within the wrench handle so that all rotational force is utilized in the actual shearing of the shear pin to a torque accuracy of ±0.3 Mcm, approximately.

Abstract: The breakaway torque wrench generally includes a handle portion and an arcuate engagement portion. The arcuate engagement portion further includes at least one engagement tooth portion proximate one end of the arcuate engagement portion for secureable releasable engagement with an axial grooved fastener or object such as a pipe, nut, bolt, screw, and the like. The breakaway torque wrench is engageable and capable of disengagement at predefined torque levels without implementing complex and vulnerable mechanical designs of conventional practice.

Abstract: A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.

Abstract: A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.

Abstract: The fastening torque control tool for a fastening device herein includes a base portion which is fixed onto a head portion of the fastening device in a way that restricts relative rotation around the device's axis. The tool has an operational portion which is integrally provided with the base portion on the same axis. The operational portion is fixed into a fastening instrument to turn the fastening device in a way that restricts relative rotation around the axis. The control tool also contains a separating portion for separating the operational portion from the base portion when a fastening torque, which is applied to the operational portion, reaches a predetermined level. The separating portion is formed between the base portion and the operational portion.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a ratchet wrench and a torque indicator combined concentrically in a single housing. The ratchet wrench is useful for driving a fastener used in dentistry, such as an abutment screw that holds an abutment on a dental implant. In operation, the handle of the wrench can be rotated in one direction (e.g. clockwise) to impart torque on the fastener. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction (e.g. counterclockwise), no torque is applied to the fastener as the handle is returned to a position where it is easy for the clinician to again rotate the handle to apply additional torque to the fastener. The return motion of the handle (e.g. counterclockwise rotation) may be stepless in operation which is brought about through a coiled clutch spring located in an annular space within a housing between the housing and a concentric driver member. To provide an indication of torque, a rotor body is supported coaxially within the driver member.

Abstract: A dental torque ratchet head and driver handle (8) is formed with a chamber (12a) between first (30) and second (32) pivotably mounted handle members which receives a plastic insert (14) formed in a configuration selected so that the insert fractures at a selected torque to thereby ensure the application of a precalibrated level or torque to an abutment or prosthetic screw of an implant. A solid metal insert (14') can be used to convert the tool to a straight ratchet tool.

Abstract: Safety shears which include two arms connected by a pin, each arm including a cutting blade and a handle, wherein at least one of the handles includes a weakened portion such that in operation that handle will break before either cutting blade.

Abstract: A support device or post for fitting into an implant implanted into a patient which is configured to support a dental prosthesis is provided. An upper portion of the post, in one embodiment, has external screw threads for coupling a healing cap. The upper portion of the post may be removed or broken away at a weakened portion or constriction. The support device has a collar which can define various heights or diameters. The support device can be positioned in the implant by mating screw threads with the support device being torqued to a predetermined torque, preferably using a torque wrench which can be set using a non-variable, preferably gravity-based, standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of insert bits (10) for use with powered screwdrivers. The formed bits (10) may be treated to have a desired microstructure by either an austempering process or by the three step heating, quenching, tempering process. The bits (10) may also be electro-polished. Austempering provides for improved function and increased fatigue life and electro-polishing provides for improved function and increased fatigue life and torque capacity. The bits (10) and may have reduced diameter midportions (30), particularly for use with impact drivers.

Abstract: A suture anchor and driver combination of the invention for use by a surgeon in a surgical procedure to secure a suture onto a bone surface for use in tying a ligament thereto. The anchor of the invention is preferably formed from a biodegradable polymer material, such as polylactic acid, polyglycotic acid, or other polymer ester, to be reabsorbed by the body after a ligament attached to the bone surface by the suture has experienced bone grown thereto. The anchor and driver are releasably secured together so as to allow the driver to be used to guide and position the anchor forward end into a hole that as been formed into a bone cortex. The anchor is preferably formed with wide spaced thread flights to provide a strong purchase when seated in the bone, with anchor turning provided by an appropriate turning of the driver, to seat the anchor in the bone hole. Whereafter the driver is arranged to be broken away from the anchor end and pulled therefrom leaving a suture extending from the anchor rear end.

Abstract: A low profile dental torque ratchet system is provided having a disposable breakaway color coded insert for holding a tool to be driven by a torsional ratchet wrench. Incorporated within the ratchet wrench is a driver that drives the tool until a preset torsional force shears the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque limiting device for use in the affixation of a halo-type traction tool to the skull of a person. The torque limiting device has a shaft or shank embedded in a handle member which rotatably engages a skull pin during the fixation of a halo-type traction device to an individual. The torque limiting device has a first shear point at a reduced shank intermediate portion which prevents rotational torque forces in excess of a predetermined level from being applied to a skull pin during the attachment procedure of a medical cervical traction brace or tool. The present invention also includes a second shear point at the shank-handle interface which acts as a second safety mechanism to ensure that excessive pressure is not applied, and undesirable skull penetration does not occur, during the attachment procedure of a skull pin and halo to an individual's skull. The torque limiting device further includes a skull pin engaging end.

Abstract: A screw can be driven home in response to the application of a preselected torque by placing over the head of the screw a tubular first section of a plastic adapter wherein the first section is connected with a polygonal second section by a frangible joint. The joint breaks in response to the application of preselected torque to the second section, and the separated second section then exposes a destructible diaphragm which is provided in the first section and overlies the head of the screw. The head can be engaged by the working end of a tool in response to at least partial destruction of the diaphragm. The first section can be of one piece with the head or it can be affixed thereto by an adhesive or is in mere frictional engagement with the head.

Abstract: A torque wrench particularly suited for applying a selected maximum torque to a dental implant component is constructed of a single shaft of predetermined material and dimension with an undercut or relieved portion therein such that application of a predetermined torque to the dental component through the shaft produces a deformity in the shaft at the relief. The shaft is designed with one end to engage the implant component or device coupled thereto. Where the shaft is straight, the other end of the shaft is designed to engage a driver. Alternatively, the shaft is bent by ninety degrees so that the other end of the shaft acts as an integral lever arm. Preferably, the undercut in the shaft is diamond shaped such that it increases in width as it increases in depth and then decreases in width as it decreases in depth. The diamond shaped undercut reduces the likelihood that upon deformation the shaft will break and produce jagged edges and metal fragments.

Abstract: A tool for the application of selected torque to the polygonal head of a bolt, to a nut or to an analogous component has a first portion which is a snug fit on the polygonal part of the component, and a polygonal second portion which can be engaged and rotated by a wrench. The material of the tool is more readily deformable than the material of the component and the material of the wrench so that the wrench deforms the second portion and/or the component deforms the first portion of the tool when the component offers a selected resistance to further rotation, i.e., in response to the application of a selected torque to the component. The first portion can be bonded or molded to the torque-receiving part of the component to be rotated, and the second portion can be coated with a film of a color different from that of the second portion to facilitate visual determination of the condition of the second portion.

Abstract: A system for driving and tightening components in a dental prosthodontic restoration. The system comprises at least a first driver having a body portion and a shank portion depending from the body portion, the body portion including a socket and a bore axially disposed through the body portion and opening through to the socket, the shank portion having a predetermined driver structure at one end. The system includes at least a first torque element comprising an outer member and an inner member, the inner member aligned with respect to the outer member and attached thereto by one or more spokes, the outer member having a predetermined geometry to enable the outer member to be received in the socket of the driver. A mandrel is also provided and includes a first portion received in the inner member of the torque element and a second portion received in the bore when the mandrel, the torque element and the driver are assembled together.

Abstract: A yellow dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of yellow dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, at least one of the yellow dyes having the formula: ##STR1##

Abstract: The socket of a plug and socket type coupling is mounted with an assembly tool which makes sure that a threaded connection between the socket and a mounting member is properly tightened. When the socket is to be mounted, the socket is operated to a disengaged condition and the assembly tool is inserted into the socket. The socket is then operated to an engaged condition. This causes locking elements in the socket to engage the assembly tool to hold the assembly tool in the socket. Torque is then applied to the assembly tool. When the threaded connection has been tightened to a desired extent, a breakaway section of the assembly tool fractures to interrupt the transmission of force to the socket. The socket is then operated to the released condition and the end portion of the broken assembly tool is removed from the socket. A plug is then inserted in the socket to enable fluid under pressure to be conducted through the coupling.

Abstract: A variable length tool in the form of a socket extension, screwdriver or other type of tool or tool holder which includes an externally threaded adjustable shaft having an unthreaded portion to prevent removal of the adjustable shaft from the tool. The body of the tool or tool holder is broached only at the end having an adjustment nut or screw for ease of manufacture and to enable some flexing and bending to a slight degree to eliminate critical alignment problems. In some instances, an adapter having a shear-type retaining pin is provided for over torque protection. The adjustment nut or screw is attached to the body of the tool or tool holder by rolling a portion thereof into an angled groove in the body to form a permanent connection and eliminating the need for a retaining ring and angled surfaces are provided between the tool holder or tool and the interior of the adjustment nut or screw to provide larger bearing surfaces and ease of alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanically lockable fastener assembly for maintaining workpieces assembled, when an elongated bolt with threads formed along a length thereof, and substantially axially aligned rotation resisting surfaces formed along another length thereof, is mechanically assembled with a cooperating nut having a threaded portion and a compressible portion deformable into engagement with said rotation resisting surfaces of said bolt to cause the bolt and the nut of the assembly to be inseparable by untorqued unthreading.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably drivable tool for mechanically joining together threaded nut and bolt components of a fastener assembly to maintain together the assembly and workpieces joined thereby, the tool having a socket portion for receiving the nut of the fastener assembly, and swaging inserts spaced inwardly of the interior wall of the tool socket portion to compress a portion of the nut of the fastener assembly into mechanical engagement with the bolt of the fastener assembly upon driving of the tool.

Abstract: To impart prevailing torque to a nut, it is squeezed between two jaws. The moment that the nut contacts both jaws is determined by monitoring the relative acceleration of the jaws. The displacement of the jaws at this time gives the dimension across the flats of the nut. From this is subtracted the desired degree of deformation giving a target displacement. When this has been reached and sensed, the jaws are stopped and then opened.

Abstract: An impact-resistant knife hilt comprising a hollow handle containing a clevis with shear pin connecting the knife blade to the end cap of the knife handle. Such a knife is readily assembled and disassembled by spinning the end cap while the hilt with shear pin reduces the risk of blade breakage upon impact.

Abstract: An impact-resistant knife hilt comprising a hollow handle containing a clevis with shear pin connecting the knife blade to a bolt passing through the end cap of the knife handle. Such a knife is readily assembled and disassembled by tightening or removing the bolt while the hilt with shear pin reduces the risk of blade breakage upon their impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a threaded member incorporating structural features which prevents more than a required amount of torque or rotational force to be applied thereto. More particularly, the shaft of the threaded member is hollow and slotted so that it buckles or collapses inwardly when the member bottoms out.