Abstract: The present invention provides actuation mechanisms that incorporate a transmission assembly that allows the mechanisms to cause actuation of workpieces according to a plurality of transmission modes (e.g., at least one forward transmission mode and at least one reverse transmission mode) on demand. Motion, direction, and/or force can be controlled by selecting the corresponding transmission mode. The mechanisms preferably are trigger-actuated by hand (i.e., manually) to cause movement of a workpiece in a desired direction. Desired directions can be linear or nonlinear. The same hand used for trigger action can also be used to change transmission modes in many modes of practice, even while using substantially the same grip used for trigger actuation. In other instances, actuation can be automated rather than manual. Preferably, both actuation and witching among transmission modes can be accomplished with one hand, even while maintaining substantially the same grip that is used for actuation.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling soft tissue and positioning an intramedullary rod in a long bone is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod having an internal channel sized to provide a tight fit for a drill assembly. The system also includes a step pin used for marking the position of a pilot hole drilled through the bone within which the intramedullary rod is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides actuation mechanisms that incorporate a transmission assembly that allows the mechanisms to cause actuation of workpieces according to a plurality of transmission modes (e.g., at least one forward transmission mode and at least one reverse transmission mode) on demand. Motion, direction, and/or force can be controlled by selecting the corresponding transmission mode. The mechanisms preferably are trigger-actuated by hand (i.e., manually) to cause movement of a workpiece in a desired direction. Desired directions can be linear or nonlinear. The same hand used for trigger action can also be used to change transmission modes in many modes of practice, even while using substantially the same grip used for trigger actuation. In other instances, actuation can be automated rather than manual. Preferably, both actuation and witching among transmission modes can be accomplished with one hand, even while maintaining substantially the same grip that is used for actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant includes a first chamber that retains a first substance. A second chamber retains a second substance, wherein the second chamber is in selective fluid communication with the first chamber. A third chamber retains a third substance. A first actuator is configured to cause fluid communication of the first and second chambers to allow the first and second substances to comingle and form a first mixture. A second actuator is configured to urge the first mixture and the third substance out of the sealant application apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling soft tissue and positioning an intramedullary rod in a long bone is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod having an internal channel sized to provide a tight fit for a drill assembly. The system also includes a step pin used for marking the position of a pilot hole drilled through the bone within which the intramedullary rod is positioned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant includes a first chamber that retains a first substance. A second chamber retains a second substance, wherein the second chamber is in selective fluid communication with the first chamber. A third chamber retains a third substance. A first actuator is configured to cause fluid communication of the first and second chambers to allow the first and second substances to comingle and form a first mixture. A second actuator is configured to urge the first mixture and the third substance out of the sealant application apparatus.