Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. A sensor senses an operating condition of the system and provides a signal representative of the condition. A controller responsive to the signal controls the pulsating fluid flow mechanism in a predetermined manner in accordance with the condition sensed. In one aspect the sensor is a pressure transducer which senses when a throttle valve on a lavage head shuts off or turns on the fluid flow and provides a signal to a controller which shuts off or turns on the motor. In another aspect the sensor is a thermistor which senses the temperature of the motor and provides a signal for controlling the power input to the motor to compensate for the effect of temperature on the performance of the motor.

Abstract: A transaxle includes a multi-stage final drive assembly with the final drive assembly with a plurality of serial stages. The transaxle has an input, a plurality of gear sets selectively engageable for directing power from the input to the first stage of the final drive assembly, and another gear set engageable for directing power from the input to another stage of the final drive assembly thereby by-passing the first stage thereof.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. There is a control for varying the pulsation frequency independently of the fluid pressure or rate of flow. Another control varies the pressure or rate of fluid flow independently of the frequency of pulsation. Separate pulsatile lavage, irrigation, and aspiration functions are provided. In another aspect, the mechanism for producing the pulsating flow includes a fluid driving means, such as a reciprocating pump, and there is a means for varying the length of stroke of the driving means.

Abstract: An overdrive transmission including a rotatable input shaft, a rotatable output shaft, a one-way clutch engageable for establishing a one-to-one drive path from said input shaft to said output shaft, a planetary gear set engaging said input and output shafts, and a clutching assembly including a synchronizing clutch, a positive clutch, and an overdrive brake, said synchronizing clutch being engageable for establishing a one-to-one ratio through said planetary gear set, said positive clutch being engageable for establishing a one-to-one ratio through said planetary gear set, and said brake being engageable for establishing an overdrive ratio through planetary gear set.

Abstract: A lavage system including a motor having a drive member, a pump housing having a door, a pump having a pump body and a driven member, a means for coupling the motor drive member and the pump driven member, and a means activated by the closing of the housing door for gripping the pump body and securing it within the pump housing. The gripping and securing means includes a pair of fingers which pass through a portion of the pump body, and a wedge on the door which forces the fingers apart and against the pump body when the door is closed. The means for coupling the drive member and the driven member and the gripping and securing means are engageable by the pump along the same direction for ease of insertion of the pump in the housing.

Abstract: A linear motor drives a reciprocating pump to produce a flow of lavage fluid. In the preferred embodiment the motor is a moving coil linear motor and the coil is attached to one plate of a drive member comprising a pair of circular plates connected by three shafts that slide in bearings passing through the motor core. Springs having varying coil spacing are seated between the plates and motor core to variably damp the motor's motion, with the strongest damping at the ends of its reciprocating stroke.

Abstract: A linear motor comprising a moveable coil, a stationary core in which the coil moves, and a drive member including a shaft and a bearing, the shaft moveable in the bearing and passing through the core. In the preferred embodiment, the drive member includes a pair of circular plates connected by three shafts that slide in bearings passing through the motor core, with the coil attached to the periphery of one of the plates. Springs having varying coil spacing are seated between the plates and the motor core to damp the motor's motion, with the strongest damping at the ends of its reciprocating stroke.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument which provides for directing irrigating fluid to a surgical site through an irrigation passage, and which may also provide for suction of fluid and debris away from the surgical site through an alternate passage. The passages are typically tubing channels which may be attached to various types of tips which are introduced at the surgical site. The handpiece instrument, including the tubing channels, may be totally disposable, or the handpiece may be adapted to allow the external housing to be reusable with only the tubing channels being disposable. Both the suction and irrigation tubing channels may be assembled internally in the handpiece housing, with both suction and irrigation being conveniently controlled with one hand by pinch valves. In an alternate embodiment, the handpiece has external mounts for attaching the suction tube, providing the operator of the handpiece the option of having the suction function attached or detached during the surgical procedure.