Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical joining of Nickel Titanium tubes, also known as Nitinol, to other tubular components. Such mechanical joining may be achieved by interpenetration of lobe features between the respective tubes by translating the tubes together on a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, by a combination of translation and rotational motion or by a hinging motion. The Nitinol superelasticity is used to accommodate the lobe deformation required for assembly and to snap the lobe back into its original shape to complete the mechanical joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical joining of Nickel Titanium tubes, also known as Nitinol, to other tubular components. Such mechanical joining may be achieved by interpenetration of lobe features between the respective tubes by translating the tubes together on a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, by a combination of translation and rotational motion or by a hinging motion, or by use of the shape-memory effect. The Nitinol superelasticity is used to accommodate the lobe deformation required for assembly and to snap the lobe back into its original shape to complete the mechanical joint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a thermally sensitive retention mechanism for orthopedic cutting instruments. More specifically, the present invention incorporates structural engagement features into a rotational orthopedic cutting instrument that transfers torque from a driver to a cutting component and which upon heating result in disengagement of the cutting component from the driver portion.

Abstract: Composite tube assemblies and thin-walled tubing are disclosed. In embodiments, the composite tube assemblies include a functional tube and a sacrificial tube disposed within or around the functional tube. The sacrificial tube may be removed by exposure to a corrosive media, without substantially affecting the functional tube. Methods of forming composite tube assemblies and thin-walled tubing are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are single-use integral indicators and methods and systems for employing the same. Such indicators and their uses are directed toward identifying and rendering inoperable single-procedure medical devices after their intended—and only—use.

Abstract: Material processing systems are disclosed. Some systems include methods of eliminating or reducing defects in elongate workpieces that can undergo large deformations during processing. Some systems include apparatus configured to facilitate such large deformations while maintaining internal stresses (e.g., tensile stresses) below a threshold stress. Some disclosed systems pertain to powder extrusion techniques. Continuous and batch processing systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are single-use integral indicators and methods and systems for employing the same. Such indicators and their uses are directed toward identifying and rendering inoperable single-procedure medical devices after their intended—and only—use.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a rotatable cutter head having a center longitudinal rotation axis; the rotatable cutter head comprising a mandrel and a plurality of elongated cutters disposed on the mandrel; each of the elongated cutters rotatable about a cutter rotation axis, respectively, wherein rotation of each of the elongated cutters about the cutter rotation axis changes a cutting diameter of the rotatable cutter head; each cutter rotation axis having a length which simultaneously extends both longitudinally along the center longitudinal rotation axis and circumferentially around the center longitudinal rotation axis; and each cutter rotation axis parallel with a first imaginary plane, respectively, which is at an angle with a second imaginary plane which is parallel to the center longitudinal axis, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are single use indicators and methods for employing the same. Such indicators and their uses are directed towards identifying the discharge status of single procedure devices, which are typically, but not limited to, medical devices.

Abstract: A multi-walled tube that is useful as an analytical column in which chemical mixtures can be separated into their individual components is described. In order to be acceptable as an analytical column, the inner surface of the multi-walled tube must support effective separation, but not react chemically with or contaminate the solvent or the analyte (sample to be separated). Grade 316 stainless steel is typically preferred for this purpose. Moreover, the inner diameter (ID) surface of the multi-walled column is preferably very smooth (less than 10 micro inch Ra) with no interruptions in the surface such as scratches, pits, or asperities. However, since the column is designed to be attached to chromatographic equipment using standard size connection features, the size of standard fittings define the outer diameter (OD) of the column.

Abstract: A surgical tool handle comprising a tool attachment coupling having locking piston subassembly is described. The attachment coupling is designed with a bayonet-type fitting having a series of coupling grooves constructed to accept surgical cutting tools having an attachment member of different cross-sectional geometries. More specifically, the attachment coupling comprises a coupling groove that accepts tool attachment members having both curved and rectangular cross-sectional geometries. In addition, a locking piston subassembly biases against the surgical tool attachment member received in the coupling groove to further stabilize the tool during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone cutter for cutting bone and tissue is described. The cutting device comprises a plurality of radially extending struts that form a frame to which a base is connected thereto. Each of the struts that form the frame comprise sidewalls having left and right sidewall portions that are positioned at an angular relationship with respect to a primary strut sidewall portion. A plurality of cutting teeth reside along each of the struts have a tissue cutting surface that is raised above the exterior strut surface. The base of the orthopedic bone cutter may comprise a cross bar or bar and boss interface which secure bone cutter to a drive shaft.

Abstract: A containment case assembly, including a tray and closing lid, comprises an upper frame that is configured to support from one to a plurality of removable screw decks is described. The screw decks have a column of first openings into which removable silicon plugs or inserts are positioned. The removable inserts include indicia or labels that indicate to a user the size of a surgical screw that is positioned in a row of second openings that are aligned in the screw deck immediately adjacent to one of the first openings. The upper frame of the containment case also has an inlet provided with a series of adjacent indicia or labels that are spaced at regular millimeter intervals for use in verifying the length of a surgical screw. The upper frame is further provided with a series of regularly spaced openings that have progressively larger sizes. These openings enable a user to verify the diameter of a surgical screw.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone cutter for cutting bone and tissue is described. The orthopedic bone cutter comprises a cutting shell and a cutting insert that resides within an opening that extends through the apex region of the shell. A pin and slot mechanism positioned within the shell interior provides for independent axial and rotational movement of the insert within the shell. The shell comprises a partially hemispherical structure having a plurality outwardly extending and spaced apart shell cutting teeth. The insert comprises an annular sidewall that meets an end wall having a plurality of outwardly extending and spaced apart insert teeth. With the insert at a retracted position within the shell, the bone cutter is rotated in a first direction to cause the shell cutting teeth to cut, for example, an acetabular roof and labrum. Then, rotation of the shell in a second opposite direction causes the shell to stop cutting, but provides for the insert to extend outwardly to cut the acetabular floor and fossa.

Abstract: A cutting head for use with an intramedullary reamer is described. The reamer cutting head is of a unitary body construction that comprises a conically-shaped body having a bone cutting portion spaced from a barrel portion for attachment to a drive shaft. The bone cutting portion comprises a plurality of blades having a tissue cutting edge that outwardly extends from the cylindrical body. The plurality of blades is positioned about the cutting head in a spaced apart manner. The various plurality of blades are arranged at prescribed angular relationship that increases cutting efficiency and debris removal, thereby reducing reactive torque, axial loading, and head pressure during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A bone cutter for use within the intramedullary canal is described. The bone cutter comprises a frusto-conical cutting head that extends to a barrel portion for attachment to a drive shaft. The cutting head comprises a plurality of spaced apart blades having a tissue cutting edge that extends radially from the exterior surface of the cutting head. The plurality of blades are arranged at prescribed angular relationships that are designed to increase cutting efficiency and debris removal, thereby reducing reactive torque, axial loading, and head pressure during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A torque limiting tool is described. The tool comprises a torque limiting mechanism comprising a sleeve connectable to a drive shaft and a torque drive coupler that resides within a housing. The sleeve comprises a sleeve annular sidewall having a plurality of outwardly projecting elongated first lobes and recessed first grooves that are circumferentially positioned along the length thereof. The drive coupler comprises a socket defined by a coupler annular sidewall having a plurality of outwardly projecting second elongated lobes and recessed second grooves positioned along the coupler interior sidewall. Torque is transferred therebetween when the ramped surfaces of the first and second lobes mate within respective second and first grooves of the coupler and sleeve. When a torque limit is exceeded, the first and second lobes of the sleeve and coupler disengage for their respective second and first grooves.

Abstract: An orthopedic reamer cutting tool is disclosed that incorporates a second material such as graphene having an increased coefficient of thermal conductivity to remove heat generated at the tissue cutting surface during use. The reamer is constructed having a hemispherical cutting shell that extends from an equatorial base to an apex at a distal end. A plurality of cutting teeth, each having a tissue cutting surface, extend from the exterior of the cutting shell. A reamer driver interface may be positioned spanning the diameter of the reamer base. The second material, having increased thermal conductivity, may be applied to the interior and/or exterior shell surfaces. In addition, the second material may be incorporated within the shell or the driver interface.

Abstract: A torque limiting tool comprises a two stage torque limiting mechanism that resides within a housing. The torque limiting mechanism comprises a shank positioned through a gear, a plate, and a bias member. The plate is constructed having at least one post and at least one tooth providing a ramp surface that extends outwardly from a plate surface. The gear is constructed having at least one recess providing at least one inclined surface that resides part-way within the thickness of the gear. The gear and plate are positioned in opposition so that the at least one tooth and extending post are received within or detachably mated to the opposing recess and through-bore. Torque is transferred therebetween the plate and gear when the ramped teeth and extending posts mate with the respective recess and through-bore. A first torque limit is exceeded when the post breaks free from the through-bore. A second, lesser torque limit is exceeded when the ramped teeth release from their mated recess.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism designed to removably attach a reamer to the distal end of a spindle or shaft is disclosed. The coupling comprises a collar having an annular sidewall that defines a collar throughbore, the collar annular sidewall comprising a plurality of spaced part first slots that at least partially extend through the sidewall and a shank disposed within the collar throughbore. The shank is constructed with a shank annular sidewall in which a plurality of spaced apart second slots at least partially extend therethrough. A bias member that provides a bias force in a distal direction that acts on the collar is incorporated within the mechanism. The collar is capable of sliding in an axial direction such that the first and second slots become aligned to secure the cross bar of a reamer therein.