Abstract: A powered surgical tool with a housing that contains a power generating unit such as a motor. A control module is disposed in a shell that is mounted in the housing. The control module contains a control circuit for regulating the actuation of the power generating unit. The power generating unit emits a signal representative of the operating state of the unit that is transmitted through the structural material forming the shell. Also internal to the control module shell is a sensor that monitors the signal emitted by the power generating unit. This signal output by the sensor is applied to the control circuit. The control circuit, based on the sensor signal regulates actuation of the power generating unit. Wherein the power generating unit is a motor, the signal emitted is the magnetic field that varies with rotor position. The sensor monitors the strength of this field.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a delivery system for use with a pressurizer to deliver a flowable material such as bone cement into an anatomical site under pressure. The delivery system includes a cartridge for holding the bone cement. A nozzle is mounted to the cartridge to convey the bone cement to the anatomical site. A spacer is movable along the nozzle between a plurality of adjustment positions to provide a variable clearance distance between the cartridge and the pressurizer to maintain a line-of-sight to the pressurizer and the anatomical site. The line-of-sight is particularly beneficial when using the delivery system in minimally invasive surgical procedures. A method of delivering the bone cement and an alternative pressurizer are also provided.

Abstract: A personal protection system is mountable to a user for distributing air to the user includes a shell providing structure. A fan module is supported by the shell for generating a flow of air. Cushioning is provided between the fan module and the shell to reduce vibrations and noise. The fan module includes a fan with blades having an airfoil shape for added noise reduction. An air flow channel is in fluid communication with the fan module for routing the flow of air. A pair of nozzle tips are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and are rotatably adjustable to allow directional adjustment of the flow of air toward a neck of the user. The personal protection system also includes a face shield with multiple removable layers which are sterilized as a unit using gamma radiation.

Abstract: A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A pressurizer is provided for use with a bone cement injection device to inject bone cement into a bone canal under pressure. The pressurizer includes a body having proximal and distal ends with an inlet defined at the proximal end, an outlet defined at the distal end, and a channel defined between the inlet and the outlet. The channel includes first and second segments. The first segment extends from the inlet about a first axis to the second segment. The second segment extends from the first segment to the outlet about a second axis intersecting the first axis at an acute angle. The channel defines a cement flow path that directionally varies between the first and second segments such that the bone cement injection device can be angled relative to the bone canal. Alternative embodiments in which the pressurizer includes a rigid support member and a handle are also provided.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided. The system includes a mixing cartridge for receiving liquid and powder components of bone cement, a mixing device for mixing the components, and a delivery gun for discharging the bone cement from the mixing cartridge. A bone cement loading system is provided to load the components in the mixing cartridge, while a rotary power tool or a mixing handle can be selectively, interchangeably, and operatively connected to the mixing device to mix the components once loaded. A converter can also be used to convert rotational input from the rotary power tool into rotational and axial output to simplify mixing of the components. After mixing, the cartridge is placed in the delivery gun. The delivery gun comprises a drive rod having a plurality of teeth. At least one pawl member engages the teeth the advance the drive rod and discharge the bone cement from the cartridge.