Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a surgical navigation system. The apparatus comprises a tool body and tool attachment onto which emitters are fixedly mounted. At least one tool tip is removably coupled with the tool body. An electrical sensor is positioned to be operated when the tool tip is changed either by coupling the tip to or removing the tip from the tool body. A controller responsive to the operation of switch detects when the tip has been changed. An alarm responsive to the controller indicates that the tool tip has been removed or changed so that the tip can be recalibrated relative to a known position in the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression forces between the shafts. The coupler provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces spaced-apart from torque and compression transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft. Reversible shaft locking means prevent accidental disconnection of the driving shaft and mating tool shaft. A separate safety lock release attachment is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. An optional reversible mechanical interlock further ensures that the driving shaft will remain stopped during a tool change. Malfunciton (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft (60) and a mating tool shaft (50, 50') to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression between the shafts. The coupler (15) provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces (80, 80') spaced-apart from torque (54, 54') and compression (55, 55') transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft (50, 50'). A separate satefy lock release attachment (17) is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft (60) stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. An optional reversible mechanical interlock (91, 92) further ensures that the driving shaft (60) will remain stopped during a tool change. Malfunction (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring (70) in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: An adjustable guide for a rotary tool shaft adapted to penetrate a work-piece, the tool shaft connected to a motor having a housing. The adjustable guide including a base connected to the housing and the base having a series of threads. A stop is threadedly engaged with the threads of the base and axially adjustable with respect to the base by rotational movement about the base. A guide tube is slidably connected to the base and is limited in its movement by engagement with the stop. An indexed locking mechanism interengages the base and the stop to lockingly prevent rotation of the stop about the base at pre-set intervals, thereby axially displacing the stop a preset discrete distance between each indexed interval. The stop controlling axial displacement of the guide tube and thereby controlling the depth of penetration of the rotary tool shaft into the work-piece.

Abstract: A malleable clip for reversible application to a power line which connects a power tool to a power source to alter the angular relationship and/or offset distance of the power tool with respect to the power line. Malleable clips comprise one or more malleable links adjustably coupling a plurality of adjacent circumferential clips end-to-end. The malleable links have lateral bending compliances which may be substantially unequal. One or more resilient links may also be present between adjacent circumferential clips in a malleable clip. The lateral bending compliances of the resilient links, if two or more are present, may be substantially unequal. Malleable clips may additionally comprise adjacent circumferential clips adjustably coupled by substantially longitudinally fenestrated malleable links which facilitate adjustment of the link lateral bending compliance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression forces between the shafts. The coupler provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces spaced-apart from torque and compression transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft. Reversible shaft locking means prevent accidental disconnection of the driving shaft and mating tool shaft. A separate safety lock release attachment is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. Malfunction (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to facilitate alteration of the torque and speed characteristics of a pneumatic motor to reduce start-up reaction torque and minimize run-on time after disconnection of the motor from a source of pressurized gas. A series connected accumulator and proportional gas flow/control/dump valve are inserted between a pressurized gas supply and a pneumatic motor, after which the accumulator volume is optimized by an iterative method to satisfactorily reduce transient motor start-up reaction torque while maintaining motor run-on time within an acceptable range.