Abstract: A torque-limiting driver with a drive element configured to have a rounded protruding feature that comprises an embodied roller which maintains contact with a cam element under a preload by a biasing member and contained within a handle housing. When a predetermined torque value is reached, which exceeds the preload by the biasing member, the drive element moves about the surface profile of the cam element and linearly within the handle housing, preventing torque above the predetermined torque value from being delivered to the shaft assembly from the handle housing.

Abstract: A gear-driver adapter configured to switch between at least two gear ratios includes a switch which exerts a force on a drive shaft to move the drive shaft between at least two positions, each corresponding to a gear ratio, in an epicyclic gear system created by a main gear body, ball driver and gear holder with gears. The drive shaft contains keyed structures and, depending on its position within the gear system, the keyed structures on the drive shaft engage or disengage a plurality of key stops. The key stops, in turn, interact with the gears to generate the desired gear ratio. The contours of the keyed structures on the gear holder allow the drive shaft to move between positions without first being specifically positioned. The gear-driver adapter also includes a handle adapter and a driver adapter, allowing users to use any handle or driver with the gear-driver adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthopedic trigger apparatus including a rack assembly, a trigger housing assembly and a trigger assembly. The rack assembly includes a linear rack rotatably connected to a first handle of an orthopedic instrument. The trigger housing assembly includes a trigger housing connected to a second handle of the orthopedic instrument, with a rack engagement cylinder and a spring enclosed within the trigger housing. The rack engagement cylinder includes a toothed rack. The spring contacts a second surface of the toothed rack stop, biasing a first pawled surface into meshing with the rack and preventing the rack from sliding through the trigger housing in more than one direction. Actuating the trigger assembly causes an actuator protrusion on the trigger to press against the rack engagement cylinder, moving the first pawled surface of the toothed rack stop away from the rack and allowing the rack to slide freely.

Abstract: A cannulated medical instrument handle apparatus comprised of a handle housing component with a hollow handle insert channel and a removable tubular insert that fits within the handle insert channel. Tubular insert has a hexagonal segment adapted to fit within a recessed hexagonal aperture within the handle insert channel, thereby connecting the handle housing component and tubular insert. Tubular insert also has a tubular shaft segment and a lumen running through its center.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous medical instrument adapter that safely provides a 180-degree torque force during a surgical procedure while accommodating the range of motion of the surgeon's hand during the surgical procedure. The drive mechanism of said adapter is capable of non-lubricated function, enabling it to be used in a medical environment and to be sterilized without loss of function.

Abstract: A cannulated medical instrument handle apparatus comprises a handle housing component with a hollow handle insert channel and a tubular insert that fits within the handle insert channel. The airspace chamber created between the inner walls of said channel and the outer walls of said insert provides the handle with increased susceptibility to sterilization of the cannula lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic tools. A locking ball mechanism prevents movement of the adapter components relative to each other, while a plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure a D-shaped orthopedic tool in the adapter. A chamfered surface of the adapter engages a chamfer of the tool to centrally stabilize the tool in the adapter. The internal adapter may be used with driver handles, ratcheting handles and torque-limiting handles.

Abstract: An internal adapter for use in handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools contains a collar assembly, house assembly, retaining ring, spring and driver assembly. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilize the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a shaft driver assembly rotationally secures the orthopedic tool.

Abstract: A rod cutter having two cutters that are exchangeable and with one thereof being operatively stationary and the other being pivotally and with cutting edges therebetween. A cover extends over the cutters so that access to the cutters is available, and they can be interchanged in their installed positions to reposition the cutting edges exposed to the rod. A ball bearing supports the pivotal cutter and it has an axial restriction for rendering axial support to the pivotal cutter. The method of cutting with both radial and axial cutter support is described.

Abstract: A gripping device comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm. The arms form a gripping area. A linkage mechanism is used for adjusting the inwardly and outwardly movement of the gripping area, with the linkage mechanism pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm. The linkage mechanism is formed of a first linkage laterally and pivotally connected to a second linkage.

Abstract: A rod cutter and method of measuring rod length and then cutting, and including two telescoping handles operable with only longitudinal force on the handles. The cutting precision is effective by a gauge that aligns with the cutting line on the rod and then positions the rod in the cutter according to that alignment. Storage for the gauge is provided on the cutter.

Abstract: A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver with an assembly of a handle (10), a body (17), a gear (56), a pawl (21, 22, 71), and a selector (27) movable on the assembly. The selector carries a pawl actuator (38, 81) for pivoting the pawl, and there is a rotation lock (42, 92) on the selector for releasably holding the rotated selector. The selector can be axially, and also rotationally, movable on the body for controlling the lock. The assembly is along an axis (A), and there are a member (44) and axial force appliers (62, 64) effective between the body and the member, thus restricting axial movement in the assembly. There is provision for assembly along the axis from adjacent the handle. There are modifications and an assembly method.

Abstract: A ratcheting assembly for a tool comprising a housing, a gear supported by a hollow shaft located in the housing and a pawl to engage the gear. A ring in contact with the housing allows adjustment of the ratcheting assembly. The assembly can the releasably lock the tool within the ratcheting assembly by way of a locking mechanism located within the shaft. The assembly further has a compressible collar that will be used to release the tool from the ratcheting assembly.

Abstract: A torque-limiting and ratcheting driver. The drive comprises a handle having an enclosed end and an open end, which houses a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a drive shaft, a drive clutch member and a camming clutch member supported by the drive shaft. The camming clutch member is coupled to the drive shaft, and the first drive clutch member and second camming clutch member are biased towards one another. The drive assembly has a locking screw supported by the drive shaft, with the locking means located at the enclosed end of the handle. The drive assembly is secured with the housing. The driver also comprises a ratcheting assembly connected to the handle, independently assembled of the drive assembly.

Abstract: A holder for replaceable tools and having a body with an opening along a longitudinal axis for snugly and individually receiving various tools. Two balls are on the body for engagement with the tools, and there is a projection into the opening for contacting the tool in a location diametrically opposite the location of the balls. A sleeve member is slideable on the body, and has two sets of camming ramps and cylindrical surfaces extending radially over the balls for controlling the radially location of the balls relative to the tool. The tool has a surface for abutting the body projection to thereby hold the tool free of radial deviation relative to the holder axis.