Patents Assigned to Pro-Dex, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11890144
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdriver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver, and a processor configured to control operation of the screwdriver. The screwdriver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be switched between manual operation by a user, and automated operation by a motor within the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be attached to a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J Sexson, Alexander M. Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 11882991
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting surgical driver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The surgical driver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a drill bit engaged with the surgical driver, and a processor configured to control operation of the surgical driver. The surgical driver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to a drill bit and reducing or stopping rotation of the drill bit when certain torque-limiting criteria are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. Pfotenhauer, Manouchehr Goharlaee
  • Patent number: 11259855
    Abstract: Various articulating tools for endoscopic placement of fasteners are disclosed. The tool can comprise a multi-angle articulating screwdriver. The tool can have an elongate shaft with an articulating driver head at a distal end. The tool can rotate the articulating driver head to drive fasteners, such as screws, to a surgical site. The articulating driver head can articulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to enable the fastener to be driven at various angle. The tool can be coupled to a powered handpiece power and can transmit torque from the handpiece to the driver head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Bowen, Mark Fanous, Jake Huntley
  • Patent number: 11090128
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting surgical driver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The surgical driver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a drill bit engaged with the surgical driver, and a processor configured to control operation of the surgical driver. The surgical driver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to a drill bit and reducing or stopping rotation of the drill bit when certain torque-limiting criteria are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. Pfotenhauer, Manouchehr Goharlaee
  • Patent number: 11076842
    Abstract: A locking adapter configured to removably attach a surgical tool to a surgical handpiece unit can include a first coupling portion having a first hole and a second coupling portion having a second hole. The first and second holes can receive a portion of a surgical instrument, such as a cutting element (e.g., a burr or blade). The locking adapter can have a first position where the first hole is not aligned with the second hole and a second position where the first hole is aligned with the second hole. When the locking adapter is in the second position and the portion of the surgical instrument is received within the first and second holes, the first coupling portion can apply a first force on the portion and the second coupling portion can apply a second force on the portion, the first and second forces having different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. Pfotenhauer, Cesar Morales, Jake Huntley
  • Patent number: 11071575
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdriver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver, and a processor configured to control operation of the screwdriver. The screwdriver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be switched between manual operation by a user, and automated operation by a motor within the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be attached to a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sexson, Alexander M. Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 10383674
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdriver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver, and a processor configured to control operation of the screwdriver. The screwdriver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be switched between manual operation by a user, and automated operation by a motor within the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be attached to a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sexson, Alexander M. Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 10206731
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdrivers, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body supporting a motor configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver. The screwdriver can include a controller configured to implement torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. Some embodiments include a threshold point, after which the torque-limiting functionality can be engaged. Some embodiments include a slowdown point, after which the rotational speed of the screw is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kust, John Joseph Desrosiers, Francis James Steinmetz, Dung Ma, Siddharth Desai
  • Patent number: 9265551
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdrivers, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body supporting a motor configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver. The screwdriver can include a controller configured to implement torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. Some embodiments include a threshold point, after which the torque-limiting functionality can be engaged. Some embodiments include a slowdown point, after which the rotational speed of the screw is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kust, John Joseph Desrosiers, Francis James Steinmetz, Dung Ma, Siddharth Desai
  • Publication number: 20140288536
    Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Le, Daniel M. Santos, Patrick L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8747392
    Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Le, Daniel M. Santos, Patrick L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8581454
    Abstract: A handheld device comprises a housing, a motor, and a thermally conductive pad disposed in a space between the motor and the housing. Heat generated by the motor can be conducted by the thermal pad to the housing or to an internal fluid passage generally extending the length of the motor. In some embodiments, the thermal pad is configured to maintain the temperature of the housing in accordance with industry guidelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Corrington, Francis James Steinmetz, Daniel Manuel Santos
  • Publication number: 20110213395
    Abstract: A handheld device comprises a housing, a motor, and a thermally conductive pad disposed in a space between the motor and the housing. Heat generated by the motor can be conducted by the thermal pad to the housing or to an internal fluid passage generally extending the length of the motor. In some embodiments, the thermal pad is configured to maintain the temperature of the housing in accordance with industry guidelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: PRO-DEX, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Corrington, Francis James Steinmetz, Daniel Manuel Santos
  • Patent number: 7476101
    Abstract: A dental handpiece is provided with a collar that moves along an outer surface of the handpiece. A contact is secured to the collar. The collar interfaces with an electrical circuit that extends within the dental handpiece. The contact is removable from the collar and the contact defines an electrical connection between a cutting tool used with the dental handpiece and the electrical circuit that extends within the dental handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. McPherson, Richard Tuan Le, Patrick L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080287925
    Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: PRO-DEX, INC.
    Inventors: Richard T. Le, Daniel M. Santos, Patrick L. Johnson